Fire tests gold, suffering tests brave men.

This life is only a prelude to eternity.

The man who does something under orders is not unhappy; he is unhappy who does something against his will.

A single lifetime, even though entirely devoted to the sky, would not be enough for the study of so vast a subject. A time will come when our descendants will be amazed that we did not know things that are so plain to them.

It is man's duty to live in conformity with the divine will, and this means, firstly, bringing his life into line with 'nature's laws', and secondly, resigning himself completely and uncomplainingly to whatever fate may send him. Only by living thus, and not setting too high a value on things which can at any moment be taken away from him, can he discover that true, unshakeable peace and contentment to which ambition, luxury and above all avarice are among the greatest obstacles.

No possession is gratifying without a companion.

No work is of such merit as to instruct from a mere cursory perusal.