We can reject everything else: religion, ideology, all received wisdom. But we cannot escape the necessity of love and compassion. This, then, is my true religion, my simple faith.

Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.

The history of the world is the history of a few men who had faith in themselves.

True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us.

The world is not composed of heroes and villains, but of men and women with all the passions that God has given them. The ignorant condemn, but the wise pity.

Don't gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold.