“Were the diver to think on the jaws of the shark, he would never lay hands on the precious pearl.”

Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy.

Be not in the desire of thine own ease.

The stranger has no friend, unless it be a stranger.

Expose not the secret failings of mankind, otherwise you must verily bring scandal upon them and distrust upon yourself.

A tree, freshly rooted, may be pulled up by one man on his own. Give it time, and it will not be moved, even with a crane.

He who lives upon the fruit of his own labor, escapes the contempt of haughty benefactors.

People are crying up the rich and variegated plumage of the peacock, and he is himself blushing at the sight of his ugly feet.

Whatever makes an impression on the heart seems lovely in the eye.

A friend whom you have been gaining during your whole life, you ought not to be displeased with in a moment. A stone is many years becoming a ruby – take care that you do not destroy it in an instant against another stone.

When a mean wretch cannot vie with another in virtue, out of his wickedness he begins to slander. The abject envious wretch will slander the virtuous man when absent, but when brought face to face his loquacious tongue becomes dumb.

It is better to break off a thousand friendships, than to endure the sight of a single enemy.

A man of virtue, judgment, and prudence speaks not until there is silence.

Whoever recounts to you the faults of your neighbour will doubtless expose your defects to others.

No person learned the art of archery from me, who did not in the end make me his target.

To pardon the oppressor is to deal harshly with the oppressed.

If a gem falls into mud it is still valuable. If dust ascends to heaven, it remains valueless.