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On Rules for Conduct of Life

thou art uncertain in transacting an affair, select that portion of it which will entail no danger to thee.

Speak not harshly to a man of gentle speech; seek not to fight with him who knocks at the door of peace.

long as an affair can be arranged with gold, it is not proper to endanger life. When the hand is foiled in every stratagem it is licit to put the hand to the sword.

not pity the weakness of a foe, because when he gains Strength he will not spare thee. Boast not of thy moustaches when thou seest thy foe is weak; there is marrow in every bone, a man in every coat.

slays a bad fellow saves mankind from a calamity and him from the wrath of God.

Condonation is laudable, but nevertheless apply no salve to the wound of an oppressor of the people; He who had mercy upon a serpent knew not that it was an injury to the sons of Adam.

is a mistake to accept advice from an enemy, but permissible to hear it; and to act contrary to it is perfectly correct.

Be cautious of what a foe tells thee to do, lest thou strike thy