The heart's affections are divided like the branches of the cedar tree; if the tree loses one strong branch; it will suffer but it does not die; it will pour all its vitality into the next branch so that it will grow and fill the empty place.

When we oppose the hidden conscience, it does us hurt. When we betray it, it judges us.

You often say, "I would give, but only to the deserving." The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture. They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish.

Every man loves two women;the one is the creation of his imagination and the other is not yet born

Whoever would be a teacher of men let him begin by teaching himself before teaching others; and let him teach by example before teaching by word. For he who teaches himself and rectifies his own ways is more deserving of respect and reverence than he who would teach others and rectify their ways.

Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself, but if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires.

The highest virtue here may be least in another world.