“A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first and honest people are screwed first.”
“There is no enemy like infatuation and fire like wrath.”
“If one has a good disposition, what other virtue is needed? If a man has fame, what is the value of other ornamentation?"
“Never make friends with people who are above or below you in status. Such friendships will never give you any happiness.”
“As long as your body is healthy and under control and death is distant, try to save your soul; when death is immanent what can you do?”
“Do not reveal what you have thought upon doing, but by wise council keep it secret being determined to carry it into execution.”
“Every neighbouring state is an enemy and the enemy’s enemy is a friend.”