Occasions do not make a man either strong or weak but they show what he is.

So fixed are our spirits in slothfulness and cold indifference that we seldom overcome so much as one evil habit.

Never be entirely idle; but either be reading, or writing, or praying or meditating or endeavoring something for the public good.

Restrain an inordinate desire for knowledge, in which is found much anxiety and deception. Learned men always wish to appear so, and desire recognition of their wisdom. But there are many matters, knowledge of which brings little or no advantage to the soul.

Don't flatter the rich, or appear to willing before the great.

Seek not to know who said this or that, but take note of what has been said.

Though weary, it is not tired: though pressed it is not straightened; though alarmed, it is not confounded; but as a living flame it forces itself upwards and securely passes through all.