“Be cautious of humiliating an honourable person
Or embarrassing an intelligent one.
Be cautious of ennobling a despicable person
Or joking with a foolish one
Or indeed living with an immoral being…
I have truly tasted all pleasures in life
But I did not find anything sweeter than wellbeing.
And I have tasted all burdens in life
But I did not find anything bitter than being in need of people
And I have carried both iron and stone
But I did not find anything more burdensome than debt
You should know that life is but two days;
A day in your favour and a day against you
So if it is in your favour, do not become proud
And if it is against you, then practise patience.”
Or embarrassing an intelligent one.
Be cautious of ennobling a despicable person
Or joking with a foolish one
Or indeed living with an immoral being…
I have truly tasted all pleasures in life
But I did not find anything sweeter than wellbeing.
And I have tasted all burdens in life
But I did not find anything bitter than being in need of people
And I have carried both iron and stone
But I did not find anything more burdensome than debt
You should know that life is but two days;
A day in your favour and a day against you
So if it is in your favour, do not become proud
And if it is against you, then practise patience.”