Men of all social stations live together: they are equal in their desires, yet vary in their methods; they are equal in their passions, yet different in their intelligence; that is their nature-given vitality.

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

I once tried thinking for an entire day, but I found it less valuable than one moment of study.

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

A person is born with feelings of envy and hate. If he gives way to them, they will lead him to violence and crime, and any sense of loyalty and good faith will be abandoned.

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.

If the blood humor is too strong and robust, calm it with balance and harmony.