#discernment

Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.

Never praise or blame any man because of the things that are common to all, but only for his opinions.

The condition and characteristic of a vulgar person is that he never looks for either help or harm from himself, but only from externals.

Do you wish to be praised by a man who curses himself three times every hour?

The next best is a leader who is loved and praised. Next, one who is feared. The worst is one who is despised.

He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.

Do not let the noise of the marketplace drown the still, small voice of your inner daimonion.

We praise a man who feels angry on the right grounds and against the right persons, and also in the right manner and at the right moment and for the right length of time.

A friend to all is a friend to none.

To be responsible means to be selective, to distinguish between the essential and the inessential.

The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.

The fire that warms us can also consume us; it is not the fault of the fire.

Anything that makes you weak physically, intellectually and spiritually, reject it as poison.

Whatever is true makes for light; whatever is false brings darkness.

Adaptability is not imitation. It means power of resistance and assimilation.

The beauty of the soul is invisible to the greedy eye.

The shadow of the flower upon the ground is not the flower.

The bird thinks it is an act of kindness to give the fish a lift in the air.

Intelligence is the capacity to perceive the essential.

Clarity is not an intellectual achievement; it is freedom from confusion.

The eternal is uncovered when the temporary is understood.

Re-examine all you have been told. Dismiss whatever insults your own soul.

An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.

No fire equals passion; no shark equals hatred.

The mind that loves truth is never misled.

A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first and honest people are screwed first.

Never associate with those whose character is questionable.

The serpent, the king, the tiger, the stinging wasp, and the foolish child must be approached with caution.

Do not judge a person's capability by his appearance.