Where the hand of tyranny is long we do not see the lips of men open with laughter.

Take care how you listen to the voice of the flatterer, who, in return for his little stock, expects to derive from you considerable advantage. If one day you do not comply with his wishes, be imputes to you two hundred defects instead of perfections.

But for the cravings of the belly not a bird would have fallen into the snare; nay, nay, the fowler would not have spread his net. The belly is chains to the hands and fetters to the feet. He who is a slave to his belly seldom worships God.

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

Avoid that which an enemy tells you to do; for if you follow his advice, you will smite your, knees with the hand of sorrow. If he shows you a road straight as an arrow, turn from it and go the other way.

Whoever acquires knowledge but does not practice it is as one who ploughs but does not sow.

When a man appreciates only eating and sleeping, what excellence has he over the reptiles?