The nature of man is evil; what is good in him is artificial.
If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.
If there is no dull and determined effort, there will be no brilliant achievement.
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.
The rigid cause themselves to be broken; the pliable cause themselves to be bound.
Man's nature is evil; goodness is the result of conscious activity.