Human nature is such that people are born with a love of profit If they follow these inclinations, they will struggle and snatch from each other, and inclinations to defer or yield will die.

If the quickness of the mind and the fluency of the tongue are too punctilious and sharp, moderate them in your activity and rest.

They are done merely for ornament. ... the common people regard them as supernatural.

Pride and excess bring disaster for man.

If you wish to see the thousand years, look at today; if you wish to understand the millionfold, then look at the one or the two.

If the impulse to daring and bravery is too fierce and violent, stay it with guidance and instruction.

The petty man is eager to make boasts, yet desires that others should believe in him. He enthusiastically engages in deception, yet wants others to have affection for him. He conducts himself like an animal, yet wants others to think well of him.