The nature of man is evil; what is good in him is artificial.

Thus, that one can find no place to walk through the breadth of the earth is not because the earth is not tranquil but because the danger to every step of the traveler lies generally with words.

You look upon the seasons with expectation and await them: wy not seize the seasonal opportunities and exploit them?

The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.

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.

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

When a man sees something desirable, he must reflect on the fact that with time it could come to involve what is detestable. When he sees something that is beneficial, he should reflect that sooner or later it, too, could come to involve harm.