When the belly is empty, the body becomes spirit; and when it is full, the spirit becomes body.

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.

The bad fortune of the good turns their faces up to heaven; the good fortune of the bad bows their heads down to the earth.

However much you study, you cannot know without action. A donkey laden with books is neither an intellectual nor a wise man. Empty of essence, what learning has he whether upon him is firewood or book?

Ants, fighting together, will vanquish the lion.

An enemy to whom you show kindness becomes your friend, excepting lust, the indulgence of which increases its enmity.