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.

We should conduct ourselves not as if we ought to live for the body, but as if we could not live without it.

He, who holds out but a doubtful hope of succour to the afflicted, denies it.

Cling tooth and nail to the following rule: Not to give in to adversity, never to trust prosperity, and always to take full note of fortune's habit of behaving just as she pleases, treating her as if she were actually going to do everything it is in her power to do. Whatever you have been expecting for some time comes as less of a shock.

When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy.

Tis a human trait to hate one you have wronged

Loyalty is the holiest good in the human heart.