Self-deception is one of the forms of folly.
Most men think well of themselves, and this is self-delusion.
Vain desires are rarely realised, but they may give comfort in sorrow or pleasure in empty hope.
EXERTION, PERSEVERANCE, SUCCESS
A man obtains only what he strives for.
He who seeks and struggles shall find.
Struggles bring the most unlikely things within reach.
When a man makes up his mind to do a thing it becomes easy for him to do it.
If you have a clear thought, be decided, and hesitate not--if you decide, hesitate not, but carry it out speedily.
You must be ready to confront difficulties if you would realise your hopes.
It is the part of man to strive, and not to rely on the favours of Fortune.
Not every one who seeks shall find, nor every one who is indifferent be denied.
Beware of giving up hope in what you earnestly seek.
A wise man perseveres, and is not easily turned away.
Not by fitful efforts, but by constancy, is an end secured.
The most profitable labour is that which is most persevering--though it may not be strenuous.
A moderate success is better than overwhelming work.
Success comes to him who abjures procrastination.
The world is the booty of the skilful.
The most wonderful thing in the world is the success of a fool and the failure of a wise man.
A pleasing manner is a great aid to success.
It is the duty of man to do his utmost, but he is not responsible for success.
Do not undertake a work for which you are not competent.
What can a tirewoman do with an ugly face?
OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunities move like clouds, or pa.s.s rapidly like meteors.
Seize a thief before he seizes you.
Take advantage of the light of day before the night sets in.
Seize on opportunities, for they are either a spoil if improved, or a grief if neglected.
Good judgment means a seizure of opportunities.
Keep quiet until the occasion presents itself.
An action may be good if done at a fitting season, or evil if done at an improper time.
Procrastination means evil.
Put your bread into the oven while it is hot.
If you undertake a work do it speedily.
Profit by occasions when they turn up, and do not worry about an evil which has not yet come.
Time is a sharp sword--strike with it before you are struck by it.
If you have not sown, and see a reaper in the field, you will regret a lost opportunity.
ECONOMY
Economy saves half the cost of living.
The value of economy is equal to half of your profits.
Frugality saves a man from poverty.
Little with economy is better than much with waste.
Poverty with freedom from debt is great wealth.
If you count beforehand you will thrive.
The sea is made up of drops and the mountain of grains.
My son, take a middle course between stinginess and extravagance, parsimony and prodigality.
Extravagance dissipates great riches, and economy increases them when they are small.
Extravagance ever leads to misery and ruin.