Fortune is an evil chain to the body, and vice to the soul.

Nature hath given men one tongue but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.

Be free from grief not through insensibility like the irrational animals, nor through want of thought like the foolish, but like a man of virtue by having reason as the consolation of grief.

Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.

If you would be well spoken of, learn to be well-spoken; and having learnt to be well- spoken, strive also to be well-doing; so shall you succeed in being well spoken of.

Keep your attention focused entirely on what is truly your own concern, and be clear that what belongs to others is their business and none of yours.

Were I a nightingale, I would act the part of a nightingale; were I a swan, the part of a swan.