Great Throughts Treasury

"The essence of right conduct is not to injure anyone; one should know only this, that non-injury is religion."

"Learning is the best of all wealth; it is easy to carry, thieves cannot steal it, and tyrants cannot seize it; neither fire nor water can destroy it; and far from decreasing, it increases by giving."

"The seed of the banyan tree, though exceedingly small, grows into a large tree and affords abundant shade; in like manner, however small may be the benefit of a virtuous act, it covers as it were the face of heaven."

"Understand that these things are unstable which thou deemest stable. Therefore do quickly the duties in thy power to perform if thou wouldst do them at all, for the days of life are gone, and even now death is come."

"The chief of men reflect on change, disease, old age and death, and do their needful work. The endless round of sevenfold science, lore of stars, who raving teach, are maddest of the foolish throng."

"Like bubbles that, when rain falls, oftentimes appears And disappears, is this our frame. The steadfast wise Resolve to rid themselves of this perplexity. In the wide world, who can compare with these? Those who have gained this well-knit frame should seize the gain The body yields. For like a cloud upon the hills That casts its shadow, nor abides, but thence departs, The body leaves no trace behind. The body’s transient state is as the dew-drop hangs On grassy tufts. This very hour do virtuous deeds! E’vn now he stood, he sat, he fell, while friends bewailed He died; such is man’s history!"

"In the great sea to bathe they went, but cried, “We,ll wait Till all its roar is still, then bathe.” Such is their worth who say, “We’ll practice virtue and be wise when all Our household toils and cares have end.” "