If thou art of elephant-strength or of lion-claw, still peace is, in my opinion, better than strife.

Now that another is suffering pain at thy hand, trust not that thy heart shall be exempt from affliction.

He who learns, and makes no use of his learning, is a beast of burden with a load of books. Does the ass comprehend whether he carries on his back a library or a bundle of faggots?

He who is indifferent to the suffering of others is a traitor to that which is truly human.

If thou tellest the sorrows of thy heart, let it be to him in whose countenance thou mayst be assured of prompt consolation.

A friend whom you have been gaining during your whole life, you ought not to be displeased with in a moment. A stone is many years becoming a ruby - take care that you do not destroy it in an instant against another stone.

Tell no one the secret that you want to keep, although he may be worthy of confidence; for no one will be so careful of your secret as yourself.