When you locate good in yourself, approve of it with determination. When you locate evil in yourself, despise it as something detestable.

Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.

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.

When you concentrate on agriculture and industry and are frugal in expenditures, Heaven cannot impoverish your state.

If the quickness of the mind and the fluency of the tongue are too punctilious and sharp, moderate them in your activity and rest.