A man's worth is no greater than his ambitions.
People generally despise where they flatter, and cringe to those they would gladly overtop; so that truth and ceremony are two things.
It's silly to try to escape other people's faults. They are inescapable. Just try to escape your own.
Without a purpose, nothing should be done.
Practice really hearing what people say. Do your best to get inside their mind.
No form of nature is inferior to art; for the arts merely imitate natural forms.