Two sources of success are known: wisdom and effort; make them both thine own, if thou wouldst haply rise.
The foolish undertake a trifling act, and soon desist, discouraged; wise men engage in mighty works, and persevere.
That energy which veils itself in mildness is most effective of its object.
A man of feeble character resembles a reed that bends with every gust of wind.
A subtle-witted man is like an arrow, which, rending little surface, enters deeply, but they whose minds are dull resemble stones dashing with clumsy force, but never piercing.