As iron put into the fire loseth its rust and becometh clearly red-hot, so he that wholly turneth himself unto God puts off all slothfulness, and is transformed into a new man.

A man is hindered and distracted in proportion as he draws outward things to himself.

A humble knowledge of ourselves is a surer way to God than is the search for depth of learning.

Whatever you do, do it with intelligence, and keep the end in view.

No man ruleth safely but he that is willingly ruled.

The measure of every man’s virtue is best revealed in time of adversity - adversity that does not weaken a man but rather shows what he is.

Every man naturally desires knowledge; but what good is knowledge without fear of God? Indeed a humble rustic who serves God is better than a proud intellectual who neglects his soul to study the course of the stars.