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.

Have patience. Everything is difficult before it is easy.

If wisdom was to cease throughout the world, no one would suspect himself of ignorance.

The whelp of a wolf must prove a wolf at last, notwithstanding he may be brought up by a man.

That sorrow which is the harbinger of joy is preferable to the joy which is followed by sorrow.

A wise man among the ignorant is as a beautiful girl in the company of blind men.

The bad fortune of the good turns their faces up to heaven; the good fortune of the bad bows their heads down to the earth.