And be silent for the most part, or else make only the most necessary remarks, and express these in few words. But rarely, and when occasion requires you to talk, talk, indeed, but about no ordinary topics. Do not talk about gladiators, or horseraces, or athletes, or things to eat or drink - topics that arise on all occasions; but above all, do not talk about people, either blaming, or praising, or comparing them.

Try not to react merely in the moment. Pull back from the situation. Take a wider view. Compose yourself.

A guide, on finding a man who has lost his way, brings him back to the right path—he does not mock and jeer at him and then take himself off. You also must show the unlearned man the truth, and you will see that he will follow. But so long as you do not show it him, you should not mock, but rather feel your own incapacity.

No man is able to make progress when he is wavering between opposite things.

He who exercises wisdom exercises the knowledge which is about God.

The origin of sorrow is this: to wish for something that does not come to pass.

It is better to advise than upbraid, for the one corrects the erring; the other only convicts them.