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.

Have patience. Everything is difficult before it is easy.

If a gem falls into mud it is still valuable. If dust ascends to heaven, it remains valueless.

However much you are read in theory, if thou hast no practice thou art ignorant

Whoever gives advice to a heedless man is himself in need of advice.

It is better to break off a thousand friendships, than to endure the sight of a single enemy.

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?