Book A
140
Truth is a thing immortal and perpetual, and it gives to us a beauty which fades not away in time nor does it take awayIn place of ἀφαιρεῖ τὴν Mrs. Carter proposes to read ἀφαιρετήν the freedom of speech which proceeds from justice; but it gives to us the knowledge of what is just and lawful, separating from them the unjust and refuting them.
141
We should not have either a blunt knife or a freedom of speech which is ill managed.
142
Nature has given to men one tongue, but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.
143
Nothing really pleasant or unpleasant subsists by nature, but all things become so through habit (custom).See Schweig.’s note.
144
Choose the best life, for custom (habit) will make it pleasant.
145
Be careful to leave your sons well instructed rather than rich, for the hopes of the instructed are better than the wealth of the ignorant.
146
A daughter is a possession to her father which is not his own.
147
The same person advised to leave modesty to children rather than gold.
148
The reproach of a father is agreeable medicine, for it contains more that is useful than it contains of that which gives pain.
149
He who has been lucky in a son in law has found a son: but he who has been unlucky, has lost also a daughter.
150
The value of education (knowledge) like that of gold is valued in every place.
151
He who exercises wisdom exercises the knowledge which is about God.
152
Nothing among animals is so beautiful as a man adorned by learning (knowledge).See Schweig.’s note.
