101. One half of the world laughs at the other, and fools are they all. Everything is good or everything is bad according to the votes they gain. What one pursues another persecutes. He is an in-sufferable ass that would regulate everything according to his ideas. Excellences do not depend on a single man's pleasure. So many men, so many tastes, all different. There is no defect which is not affected by some, nor need we lose heart if things please not some, for others will appreciate them. Nor need their applause turn our head, for there will surely be others to condemn. The real test of praise is the approbation of famous men and of experts in the matter. You should aim to be independent of any one vote, of any one fashion, of any one century.
101. Half the world mocks the other, yet they're all fools. Things are deemed good or bad based on popular opinion. What one person pursues, another condemns. It's absurd to expect everyone to conform to your ideals. Excellence isn't defined by a single person's preferences. With diverse tastes, there's no flaw that someone won't admire. Don't be discouraged if some dislike your work; others will appreciate it. Likewise, don't let praise go to your head, as criticism will surely follow. The true measure of worth comes from the approval of experts and respected figures in your field. Strive to be independent of any single opinion, trend, or era.
102. Be able to stomach big slices of luck. In the body of wisdom not the least important organ is a big stomach, for great capacity implies great parts. Big bits of luck do not embarrass one who can digest still bigger ones. What is a surfeit for one may be hunger for another. Many are troubled as it were with weak digestion, owing to their small capacity being neither born nor trained for great employment. Their actions turn sour, and the humours that arise from their undeserved honours turn their head and they incur great risks in high place: they do not find their proper place, for luck finds no proper place in them. A man of talent therefore should show that he has more room for even greater enterprises, and above all avoid showing signs of a little heart.
102. Be prepared to handle significant strokes of fortune. In the realm of wisdom, a crucial attribute is the ability to absorb and manage substantial opportunities. Major lucky breaks don't overwhelm those who can handle even greater ones. What might be excessive for one person could be insufficient for another. Many struggle with metaphorical indigestion due to their limited capacity, neither naturally gifted nor trained for significant roles. Their actions sour, and the pressures of unearned positions cloud their judgment, leading to risky behavior in high-stakes situations. They fail to find their niche because fortune finds no suitable place within them. A talented individual should demonstrate readiness for even greater challenges, and above all, avoid displaying any sign of a faint heart.
103. Let each keep up his dignity. Let each deed of a man in its degree, though he be not a king, be worthy of a prince, and let his action be princely within due limits. Sublime in action, lofty in thought, in all things like a king, at least in merit if not in might. For true kingship lies in spotless rectitude, and he need not envy greatness who can serve as a model of it. Especially should those near the throne aim at true superiority, and prefer to share the true qualities of royalty rather than take parts in its mere ceremonies, yet without affecting its imperfections but sharing in its true dignity.
103. Maintain your dignity in all things. Let each of your actions, regardless of your station, be worthy of a leader. Act nobly within your sphere of influence. Be ambitious in your deeds, elevated in your thoughts, and regal in all matters—if not in power, then in merit. True leadership stems from impeccable integrity, and one who can serve as an example of greatness need not envy it in others. Those close to power should especially strive for genuine excellence, choosing to embody the true qualities of leadership rather than merely participating in its rituals. Aim to share in the authentic dignity of authority without adopting its flaws.
104. Try your hand at office. It requires varied qualities, and to know which is needed taxes attention and calls for masterly discernment. Some demand courage, others tact. Those that merely require rectitude are the easiest, the most difficult those requiring cleverness. For the former all that is necessary is character; for the latter all one's attention and zeal may not suffice. ’Tis a troublesome business to rule men, still more fools or blockheads: double sense is needed with those who have none. It is intolerable when an office engrosses a man with fixed hours and a settled routine. Those are better that leave a man free to follow his own devices, combining variety with importance, for the change refreshes the mind. The most in repute are those that have least or most distant dependence on others; the worst is that which worries us both here and hereafter.
104. Try your hand at leadership. It requires diverse skills, and recognizing which one is needed demands careful attention and excellent judgment. Some situations call for courage, others for diplomacy. Tasks that only require honesty are the easiest, while those demanding cleverness are the most challenging. For the former, good character suffices; for the latter, even your full attention and effort may not be enough. Managing people is difficult, especially those who are foolish or stubborn: you need twice the wisdom to lead those who have none. It's frustrating when a position consumes your life with rigid schedules and monotonous routines. Better are roles that allow freedom and flexibility, combining variety with importance, as change refreshes the mind. The most respected positions are those with minimal or distant dependence on others. The worst are those that cause stress both now and in the future.
105. Don't be a bore. The man of one business or of one topic is apt to be heavy. Brevity flatters and does better business; it gains by courtesy what it loses by curtness. Good things, when short, are twice as good. The quintessence of the matter is more effective than a whole farrago of details. It is a well-known truth that talkative folk rarely have much sense whether in dealing with the matter itself or its formal treatment. There are that serve more for stumbling-stones than centrepieces, useless lumber in every one's way. The wise avoid being bores, especially to the great, who are fully occupied: it is worse to disturb one of them than all the rest. Well said is soon said.
105. Don't be a bore. People who focus on one topic or business tend to be dull. Brevity is charming and more effective; it gains through politeness what it might lose in curtness. Good things are twice as good when they're short. The essence of a matter is more powerful than a jumble of details. It's well known that chatty people rarely make much sense, whether in content or presentation. Some people are more like obstacles than centerpieces, getting in everyone's way. Wise individuals avoid being tedious, especially to important, busy people. Annoying them is worse than bothering anyone else. A point well made is quickly made.
106. Do not parade your position. To outshine in dignity is more offensive than in personal attractions. To pose as a personage is to be hated: envy is surely enough. The more you seek esteem the less you obtain it, for it depends on the opinion of others. You cannot take it, but must earn and receive it from others. Great positions require an amount of authority sufficient to make them efficient: without it they cannot be adequately filled. Preserve therefore enough dignity to carry on the duties of the office. Do not enforce respect, but try and create it. Those who insist on the dignity of their office, show they have not deserved it, and that it is too much for them. If you wish to be valued, be valued for your talents, not for anything adventitious. Even kings prefer to be honoured for their personal qualifications rather than for their station.
106. Don't flaunt your status. Outshining others in rank is more offensive than in looks. Posing as important invites hatred; envy is bad enough. The more you seek admiration, the less you'll get, as it depends on others' views. You can't demand it; you must earn it. Important roles need enough authority to be effective, so maintain the dignity required for your duties. Don't force respect; try to inspire it. Those who insist on respect for their position show they don't deserve it and can't handle it. If you want to be valued, let it be for your abilities, not your circumstances. Even kings prefer to be respected for their personal qualities rather than their status.
107. Show no self-satisfaction. You must neither be discontented with yourself—and that were poor-spirited—nor self-satisfied—and that is folly. Self-satisfaction arises mostly from ignorance: it would be a happy ignorance not without its advantages if it did not injure our credit. Because a man cannot achieve the superlative perfections of others, he contents himself with any mediocre talent of his own. Distrust is wise, and even useful, either to evade mishaps or to afford consolation when they come, for a misfortune cannot surprise a man who has already feared it. Even Homer nods at times, and Alexander fell from his lofty state and out of his illusions. Things depend on many circumstances: what constitutes triumph in one set may cause a defeat in another. In the midst of all incorrigible folly remains the same with empty self-satisfaction, blossoming, flowering, and running all to seed.
107. Avoid self-satisfaction. Don't be discontent with yourself—that's poor-spirited—but don't be self-satisfied either—that's foolish. Self-satisfaction often stems from ignorance. While this ignorance might seem blissful, it can damage your reputation. Some people, unable to achieve excellence, settle for mediocrity in their own talents. It's wiser to be cautious, as it helps avoid mishaps or provides comfort when they occur. After all, misfortune can't surprise someone who's already anticipated it. Even the greatest can falter: Homer occasionally nods off, and Alexander fell from his lofty position and lost his illusions. Success depends on various factors; what brings triumph in one situation may lead to defeat in another. Amidst all this, stubborn folly persists with its empty self-satisfaction, blooming and going to seed.
108. The path to greatness is along with others. Intercourse works well: manners and taste are shared: good sense and even talent grow insensibly. Let the sanguine man then make a comrade of the lymphatic, and so with the other temperaments, so that without any forcing the golden mean is obtained. It is a great art to agree with others. The alternation of contraries beautifies and sustains the world: if it can cause harmony in the physical world, still more can it do so in the moral. Adopt this policy in the choice of friends and defendants; by joining extremes the more effective middle way is found.
108. The road to success involves collaboration. Social interaction is beneficial: it refines manners and taste, while subtly enhancing common sense and even talent. An optimistic person should partner with a more reserved one, and similarly with other personality types, naturally achieving a balanced approach. The ability to get along with others is a valuable skill. The interplay of opposites enhances and sustains the world; if this principle works in nature, it's even more effective in human relationships. Apply this strategy when choosing friends and allies; by combining contrasting qualities, you'll discover the most effective middle ground.
109. Be not censorious. There are men of gloomy character who regard everything as faulty, not from any evil motive but because it is their nature to. They condemn all: these for what they have done, those for what they will do. This indicates a nature worse than cruel, vile Indeed. They accuse with such exaggeration that they make out of motes beams wherewith to force out the eyes. They are always taskmasters who could turn a paradise into a prison; if passion intervenes they drive matters to the extreme. A noble nature, on the contrary, always knows how to find an excuse for failings, if not in the intention, at least from oversight.
109. Don't be overly critical. Some people have a gloomy outlook and find fault in everything, not out of malice, but because it's in their nature. They condemn everyone: some for their past actions, others for what they might do. This reveals a character that's worse than cruel—it's truly vile. They exaggerate accusations, making mountains out of molehills to prove their point. These individuals are like harsh taskmasters who could turn heaven into hell. When emotions get involved, they push things to extremes. In contrast, a noble person always finds a way to excuse shortcomings, if not in intention, then as an oversight.
110. Do not wait till you are a sinking sun. ’Tis a maxim of the wise to leave things before things leave them. One should be able to snatch a triumph at the end, just as the sun even at its brightest often retires behind a cloud so as not to be seen sinking, and to leave in doubt whether he has sunk or no. Wisely withdraw from the chance of mishaps, lest you have to do so from the reality Do not wait till they turn you the cold shoulder and carry you to the grave, alive in feeling but dead in esteem. Wise trainers put racers to grass before they arouse derision by falling on the course. A beauty should break her mirror early, lest she do so later with open eyes.
110. Don't wait until your influence fades. Smart people know when to step away before they're forced out. Aim to leave on a high note, like the sun hiding behind a cloud at its brightest, leaving others wondering if it has set. Retreat before problems arise, rather than facing the harsh reality later. Don't stick around until you're unwanted and your reputation dies while you're still alive. Clever coaches retire racehorses before they become a laughingstock on the track. Similarly, it's better for someone beautiful to stop checking the mirror early on, rather than facing a harsh reality later.
111. Have friends. ’Tis a second existence. Every friend is good and wise for his friend: among them all everything turns to good. Every one is as others wish him; that they may wish him well, he must win their hearts and so their tongues. There is no magic like a good turn, and the way to gain friendly feelings is to do friendly acts. The most and best of us depend on others; we have to live either among friends or among enemies. Seek some one every day to be a well-wisher if not a friend; by and by after trial some of these will become intimate.
111. Cultivate friendships. It's like having a second life. In a friend's eyes, you're always good and wise. Together, everything becomes positive. We become what others want us to be; to be well-regarded, we must win their hearts and, consequently, their words. Nothing is as powerful as a kind gesture, and the best way to gain friendship is through friendly actions. Most of us rely on others; we live either among friends or enemies. Each day, try to find someone who wishes you well, if not a friend. Over time, after some testing, a few of these people will become close companions.
112. Gain goodwill. For thus the first and highest cause foresees and furthers the greatest objects. By gaining their good-will you gain men's good opinion. Some trust so much to merit that they neglect grace, but wise men know that Service Road without a lift from favour is a long way indeed. Good-will facilitates and supplies everything: is supposes gifts or even supplies them, as courage, zeal, knowledge, or even discretion; whereas defects it will not see because it does not search for them. It arises from some common interest, either material, as disposition, nationality, relationship, fatherland, office; or formal, which is of a higher kind of communion, in capacity, obligation, reputation, or merit. The whole difficulty is to gain good-will; to keep it is easy. It has, however, to be sought for, and, when found, to be utilised.
112. Cultivate goodwill. The highest powers foresee and promote the most important goals. By earning people's goodwill, you gain their favorable opinion. Some rely too heavily on merit, neglecting charm, but wise individuals understand that the path of service without the boost of favor is indeed long. Goodwill facilitates everything: it assumes or even provides gifts such as courage, enthusiasm, knowledge, or discretion; it also overlooks faults because it doesn't seek them out. Goodwill stems from shared interests, whether tangible (like disposition, nationality, relationships, homeland, or profession) or intangible (which involves a higher form of connection through ability, duty, reputation, or merit). The challenge lies in gaining goodwill; maintaining it is simple. However, it must be actively sought and, once found, put to good use.
113. In prosperity prepare for adversity. It is both wiser and easier to collect winter stores in summer. In prosperity favours are cheap and friends are many. ’Tis well therefore to keep them for more unlucky days, for adversity costs dear and has no helpers. Retain a store of friendly and obliged persons; the day may come when their price will go up. Low minds never have friends; in luck they will not recognise them: in misfortune they will not be recognised by them.
113. Prepare for tough times during good ones. It's smarter and easier to save resources when things are going well. When you're successful, favors come cheap and friends are plentiful. Keep these connections for harder days, as difficult times are costly and often lonely. Maintain a network of friendly and grateful individuals; their value may increase in the future. Small-minded people never have true friends; when fortunate, they ignore others, and when misfortune strikes, others ignore them.
114. Never compete. Every competition damages the credit: our rivals seize occasion to obscure us so as to out-shine us. Few wage honourable war. Rivalry discloses faults which courtesy would hide. Many have lived in good repute while they had no rivals. The heat of conflict gives life, or even new life, to dead scandals, and digs up long-buried skeletons. Competition begins with belittling, and seeks aid wherever it can, not only where it ought. And when the weapons of abuse do not effect their purpose, as often or mostly happens, our opponents use them for revenge, and use them at least for beating away the dust of oblivion from anything to our discredit. Men of good-will are always at peace; men of good repute and dignity are men of good-will.
114. Avoid competition. Every rivalry tarnishes one's reputation. Competitors seize opportunities to overshadow us. Few engage in fair competition. Rivalry exposes flaws that politeness would conceal. Many have maintained a good reputation until faced with rivals. Conflict breathes new life into old scandals and unearths long-forgotten issues. Competition begins with belittling and seeks support from any source, regardless of appropriateness. When insults fail to achieve their goal, as they often do, opponents use them for revenge or to revive forgotten blemishes on our character. People of goodwill are always at peace; those with good reputations and dignity are people of goodwill.
115. Get used to the failings of your familiars, as you do to ugly faces. It is indispensable if they depend on us, or we on them. There are wretched characters with whom one cannot live, nor yet without them. Therefore clever folk get used to them, as to ugly faces, so that they are not obliged to do so suddenly under the pressure of necessity. At first they arouse disgust, but gradually they lose this influence, and reflection provides for disgust or puts up with it.
115. Adapt to the faults of those close to you, just as you get used to unattractive faces. This is essential if they depend on us or we on them. There are difficult people we can't live with, yet can't live without. Smart individuals learn to tolerate them, like they do with unpleasant appearances, to avoid having to adjust suddenly when necessary. Initially, these faults may disgust us, but over time, their impact lessens. Thoughtful consideration helps us either overcome our disgust or learn to endure it.
116. Only act with honourable men. You can trust them and they you. Their honour is the best surety of their behaviour even in misunderstandings, for they always act having regard to what they are. Hence ’tis better to have a dispute with honourable people than to have a victory over dishonourable ones. You cannot treat with the ruined, for they have no hostages for rectitude. With them there is no true friendship, and their agreements are not binding, however stringent they may appear, because they have no feeling of honour. Never have to do with such men, for if honour does not restrain a man, virtue will not, since honour is the throne of rectitude.
116. Only associate with honorable people. You can trust them, and they can trust you. Their honor is the best guarantee of their behavior, even during disagreements, as they always act with integrity. It's better to have a dispute with honorable individuals than to win against dishonorable ones. You can't effectively deal with those who lack principles, as they offer no assurance of ethical conduct. With such people, there's no genuine friendship, and their agreements aren't binding, regardless of how strict they may seem, because they have no sense of honor. Avoid dealing with such individuals altogether. If honor doesn't guide a person's actions, virtue won't either, since honor is the foundation of righteousness.
117. Never talk of yourself. You must either praise yourself, which is vain, or blame yourself, which is little-minded: it ill beseems him that speaks, and ill pleases him that hears. And if you should avoid this in ordinary conversation, how much more in official matters, and above all, in public speaking, where every appearance of unwisdom really is unwise. The same want of tact lies in speaking of a man in his presence, owing to the danger of going to one of two extremes: flattery or censure.
117. Avoid discussing yourself. Self-praise comes across as conceited, while self-criticism appears petty. Neither suits the speaker nor appeals to the listener. If this rule applies to casual conversation, it's even more crucial in professional settings and public speaking, where any hint of poor judgment is truly unwise. Similarly, it's tactless to talk about someone in their presence, as you risk either flattering or criticizing them excessively.
118. Acquire the reputation of courtesy; for it is enough to make you liked. Politeness is the main ingredient of culture,—a kind of witchery that wins the regard of all as surely as discourtesy gains their disfavour and opposition; if this latter springs from pride, it is abominable; if from bad breeding, it is despicable. Better too much courtesy than too little, provided it be not the same for all, which degenerates into injustice. Between opponents it is especially due as a proof of valour. It costs little and helps much: every one is honoured who gives honour. Politeness and honour have this advantage, that they remain with him who displays them to others.
118. Cultivate a reputation for courtesy, as it's enough to make you well-liked. Politeness is the cornerstone of culture—a kind of charm that wins everyone's respect, just as rudeness invites disapproval and opposition. If rudeness stems from arrogance, it's detestable; if from poor upbringing, it's contemptible. It's better to be overly polite than not polite enough, as long as you don't treat everyone the same way, which can be unfair. Courtesy is especially important between rivals, as it demonstrates strength of character. It costs little but yields great rewards: those who give respect earn respect. Politeness and honor have the advantage of benefiting both the giver and the receiver.
119. Avoid becoming disliked. There is no occasion to seek dislike: it comes without seeking quickly enough. There are many who hate of their own accord without knowing the why or the how. Their ill-will outruns our readiness to please. Their ill-nature is more prone to do others harm than their cupidity is eager to gain advantage for themselves. Some manage to be on bad terms with all, because they always either produce or experience vexation of spirit. Once hate has taken root it is, like bad repute, difficult to eradicate. Wise men are feared, the malevolent are abhorred, the arrogant are regarded with disdain, buffoons with contempt, eccentrics with neglect. Therefore pay respect that you may be respected, and know that to be esteemed you must show esteem.
119. Avoid being disliked. Dislike often comes quickly and without reason. Many people hate instinctively, without understanding why or how. Their ill-will outpaces our efforts to please. They're more inclined to harm others than to seek their own gain. Some manage to be on bad terms with everyone, constantly causing or experiencing frustration. Once hate takes root, like a bad reputation, it's hard to shake off. Wise individuals are feared, cruel ones are despised, the arrogant are scorned, fools are dismissed, and eccentrics are ignored. To earn respect, show respect. Remember: to be valued, you must value others.
120. Live practically. Even knowledge has to be in the fashion, and where it is not it is wise to affect ignorance. Thought and taste change with the times. Do not be old-fashioned in your ways of thinking, and let your taste be in the modern style. In everything the taste of the many carries the votes; for the time being one must follow it in the hope of leading it to higher things. In the adornment of the body as of the mind adapt yourself to the present, even though the past appear better. But this rule does not apply to kindness, for goodness is for all time. It is neglected nowadays and seems out of date. Truth-speaking, keeping your word, and so too good people, seem to come from the good old times: yet they are liked for all that, but in such a way that even when they all exist they are not in the fashion and are not imitated. What a misfortune for our age that it regards virtue as a stranger and vice as a matter of course! If you are wise, live as you can, if you cannot live as you would. Think more highly of what fate has given you than of what it has denied.
120. Live practically. Even knowledge needs to be current, and it's wise to feign ignorance where it's not. Thoughts and tastes change over time. Don't be outdated in your thinking, and keep your preferences modern. Public opinion carries weight in most matters; follow it for now, hoping to guide it towards better things later. Adapt your appearance and mindset to the present, even if the past seems superior. However, this doesn't apply to kindness, as goodness is timeless. It's overlooked nowadays and seems old-fashioned. Honesty, keeping your word, and good people seem to belong to bygone days. They're still appreciated, but not fashionable or imitated. It's unfortunate that our era views virtue as foreign and vice as normal. If you're wise, live as you can, not necessarily as you'd like. Value what life has given you more than what it has withheld.
121. Do not make a business of what is no business. As some make gossip out of everything, so others business. They always talk big, take everything in earnest, and turn it into a dispute or a secret. Troublesome things must not be taken too seriously if they can be avoided. It is preposterous to take to heart that which you should throw over your shoulders. Much that would be something has become nothing by being left alone, and what was nothing has become of consequence by being made much of. At the outset things can be easily settled, but not afterwards. Often the remedy causes the disease. ’Tis by no means the least of life's rules: to let things alone.
121. Don't meddle in affairs that don't concern you. Some people turn everything into gossip, while others make everything their business. They always exaggerate, take everything seriously, and turn it into an argument or a secret. Don't take troublesome matters too seriously if you can avoid them. It's absurd to worry about things you should simply ignore. Many issues that could have been significant become irrelevant when left alone, while trivial matters grow in importance when given too much attention. Problems are often easily resolved at the beginning, but become more difficult later. Sometimes the solution is worse than the problem itself. One of life's most important rules is to know when to leave things be.
122. Distinction in speech and action. By this you gain a position in many places and carry esteem beforehand. It shows itself in everything, in talk, in look, even in gait. It is a great victory to conquer men's hearts: it does not arise from any foolish presumption or pompous talk, but in a becoming tone of authority born of superior talent combined with true merit.
122. Stand out in what you say and do. This will earn you respect and admiration in many circles. Let your distinction shine through in everything—your words, your appearance, even how you walk. Winning people's hearts is a great achievement. This doesn't come from arrogance or boastfulness, but from a quiet confidence born of genuine talent and merit.
123. Avoid affectation. The more merit, the less affectation, which gives a vulgar flavour to all. It is wearisome to others and troublesome to the one affected, for he becomes a martyr to care and tortures himself with attention. The most eminent merits lose most by it, for they appear proud and artificial instead of being the product of nature, and the natural is always more pleasing than the artificial. One always feels sure that the man who affects a virtue has it not. The more pains you take with a thing, the more should you conceal them, so that it may appear to arise spontaneously from your own natural character. Do not, however, in avoiding affectation fall into it by affecting to be unaffected. The sage never seems to know his own merits, for only by not noticing them can you call others' attention to them. He is twice great who has all the perfections in the opinion of all except of himself; he attains applause by two opposite paths.
123. Avoid pretense. True merit needs no embellishment, as affectation cheapens everything. It's exhausting for others and burdensome for the pretender, who becomes obsessed with maintaining appearances. Even the most outstanding qualities suffer from this, appearing arrogant and contrived rather than natural. People always prefer what's genuine. When someone fakes a virtue, it's clear they lack it. The more effort you put into something, the more you should hide that effort, so it seems to come naturally from your personality. However, don't become artificial in your attempts to appear unaffected. Wise individuals never flaunt their own merits; by not drawing attention to them, they allow others to notice. Those who possess all virtues in others' eyes but remain humble about them are doubly great, earning admiration through two contrasting paths.
124. Get yourself missed. Few reach such favour with the many; if with the wise ’tis the height of happiness. When one has finished one's work, coldness is the general rule. But there are ways of earning this reward of goodwill. The sure way is to excel in your office and talents: add to this agreeable manner and you reach the point where you become necessary to your office, not your office to you. Some do honour to their post, with others ’tis the other way. It is no great gain if a poor successor makes the predecessor seem good, for this does not imply that the one is missed, but that the other is wished away.
124. Make yourself missed. Few achieve such favor with the masses; with the wise, it's the pinnacle of success. Usually, when one's work is done, indifference follows. However, there are ways to earn lasting goodwill. The surest method is to excel in your role and talents. Combine this with a pleasant demeanor, and you'll become indispensable to your position, rather than the other way around. Some people bring honor to their job, while for others, it's the reverse. It's no great achievement if a mediocre successor makes the predecessor look good; this doesn't mean the former is missed, but that the latter is unwanted.
125. Do not be a black list. It is a sign of having a tarnished name to concern oneself with the ill-fame of others. Some wish to hide their own stains with those of others, or at least wash them away: or they seek consolation therein—’tis the consolation of fools. They must have bad breath who form the sewers of scandal for the whole town. The more one grubs about in such matters, the more one befouls oneself. There are few without stain somewhere or other, but it is of little known people that the failings are little known. Be careful then to avoid being a registrar of faults. That is to be an abominable thing, a man that lives without a heart.
125. Don't be a gossip. Spreading rumors about others is a sign of a poor reputation. Some try to hide their own flaws by pointing out those of others, or seek comfort in others' misfortunes—a foolish consolation. Those who spread scandal throughout town must have foul intentions. The more one delves into such matters, the more one becomes tainted. Few people are without fault, but the flaws of ordinary individuals often go unnoticed. Be careful not to become a keeper of others' faults. To do so is despicable and shows a lack of empathy.