The Art of Worldly Wisdom (Unabridged Start Publishing LLC)

You should aim to be independent of any one vote, of any one fashion, of any one century.

The attention you pay to yourself you probably owe to others.

Demand is the measure of value.

Look into the Interior of Things. Things are generally other than they seem, and ignorance that never looks beneath the rind becomes disabused when you show the kernel.

A prudent man goes more cautiously to work, and prefers to err by omission than by commission. Extraordinary things are rare, therefore moderate ordinary valuation. Exaggeration is a branch of lying, and you lose by it the credit of good taste, which is much, and of good sense, which is more.

Never take Things against the Grain, no matter how they come. Everything has a smooth and a seamy side, and the best weapon wounds if taken by the blade, while the enemy’s spear may be our best protection if taken by the staff. Many things cause pain which would cause pleasure if you regarded their advantages.

Most things depend on the satisfaction of others.

Knowledge and Courage are the elements of Greatness. They give immortality, because they are immortal. Each is as much as he knows, and the wise can do anything.

All excess is a failing, but above all in personal intercourse.