Greatness stands upon a precipice, and if prosperity carries a man never so little beyond his poise, it overbears and dashes him to pieces.

Poverty wants some, luxury many, and avarice all things.

The wise man then followed a simple way of life-which is hardly surprising when you consider how even in this modern age he seeks to be as little encumbered as he possibly can.

What nature requires is obtainable, and within easy reach. It is for the superfluous we sweat.

You can tell the character of every man when you see how he receives praise.

No tree becomes rooted and sturdy unless many a wind assails it. For by its very tossing it tightens its grip and plants its roots more securely; the fragile trees are those that have grown in a sunny valley.

Our care should not be to have lived long as to have lived enough.