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.

The sons of Adam are formed from dust; if not humble as the dust, they fall short of being men.

Whenever you argue with another wiser than yourself in order that others may admire your wisdom, they will discover your ignorance.

If thou art wise, incline to truth; for truth, not the semblance, remains in its place.

Liberty is of more value than any gifts; and to receive gifts is to lose it. Be assured that men most commonly seek to oblige thee only that they may engage thee to serve them.

In the faculty of speech man excels the brute; but if thou utterest what is improper, the brute is they superior.

Expose not the secret failings of mankind, otherwise you must verily bring scandal upon them and distrust upon yourself.