Of the bodies in the cosmos, some imitate mind and move in orbits; some imitate soul and move in a straight line, fire and air upward, earth and water downward.

One can ever assume to be what he is not, and to conceal what he is.

It is sweet to surve one country by deeds, and it is not absurd to surve her by words.

The firmest friendship is based on an identity of likes and dislikes.

All those who offer an opinion on any doubtful point should first clear their minds of every sentiment of dislike, friendship, anger or pity.

If fortune makes a wicked man prosperous and a good man poor, there is no need to wonder. For the wicked regard wealth as everything, the good as nothing. And the good fortune of the bad cannot take away their badness, while virtue alone will be enough for the good.

To have the same desires and the same aversion is assuredly a firm bond of friendship.