Discourse concerning Riches
The generous man may attain to perfection although he possess not gold.
Dost think that if a mean man became a Korah his sordid nature would be changed?
If he who trades in liberality obtain not bread, his nature remains yet rich.
Generosity is the soil, and riches the seed that is sown; give, that the root may not be destitute of a branch.
Exert not thyself in the amassing of wealth, for evil is the smell of stagnant water; strive, rather, to be generous, for running water becomes a flood.
The miser who falls from position and wealth but seldom stands a second time upon his feet.
If thou be a precious jewel,[30] grieve not, for Time will not pass thee by; it is the brickbat by the wayside that goes unheeded. Shavings of gold that fall from the scissors are searched for with a candle.
CHAPTER VII
CONCERNING EDUCATION
Those who turn the reins of their desires from unlawful things have surpassed Rustam[31] and Sām[32] in valour.
None is so fearful of the enemy as thou, slave of thine own passions.
Thy earthly body is a city, containing both good and evil; thou art the King, and Reason is thy wise minister.
In this city, the headstrong men pursue their trades of avarice and greed; Resignation and Temperance are the citizens of fame and virtue; Lust and Wantonness the thieves and pick-pockets.
When the king shows favour to the wicked, how can the wise remain in peace?
The passions of evil, envy, and hatred are inherent in thee as is the blood of thy veins. If these thine enemies gained in strength they would turn their heads from thy rule and counsel; no resistance do they offer when they see the mailed fist of Reason.
Night-thieves and vagabonds wander not in the places where the patrols guard.
The chief who punishes not his enemy is bereft of power by the strength of the latter.
More on this point I will not speak—a word suffices to him who puts into practice what he reads.