The foolish undertake a trifling act, and soon desist, discouraged; wise men engage in mighty works, and persevere.

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.

Two sources of success are known: wisdom and effort; make them both thine own, if thou wouldst haply rise.

A man of feeble character resembles a reed that bends with every gust of wind.

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.