However much you study, you cannot know without action. A donkey laden with books is neither an intellectual nor a wise man. Empty of essence, what learning has he whether upon him is firewood or book?

The wise man tells not what he knows. It is not prudent to sport with one's head by revealing the king's secrets.

Poverty snatches the reins out of the hand of piety.

There is no great difficulty to separate the soul from the body, but it is not so easy to restore life to the dead.

Inflict not on an enemy every injury in your power, for he may afterwards become your friend.

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?

To be over much facetious is the accomplishment of courtiers and blemish of the wise.