Golden Sayings   

others. Let silence be your general rule; or say only what is
necessary and in few words. We shall, however, when occassion
demands, enter into discourse sparingly. avoiding common topics
as gladiators, horse-races, athletes; and the perpetual talk
about food and drink. Above all avoid speaking of persons, either
in way of praise or blame, or comparison.
If you can, win over the conversation of your company to
what it should be by your own. But if you find yourself cut off
without escape among strangers and aliens, be silent.

CLXV

Laughter should not be much, nor frequent, nor unrestrained.

CLXVI

Refuse altogether to take an oath if you can, if not, as far
as may be.

CLXVII

Banquets of the unlearned and of them that are without,
avoid. But if you have occasion to take part in them, let not
your attention be relaxed for a moment, lest you slip after all
into evil ways. For you may rest assured that be a man ever so
pure himself, he cannot escape defilement if his associates are
impure.

CLXVIII

Take what relates to the body as far as the bare use
warrants--as meat, drink, raiment, house and servants. But all
that makes for show and luxury reject.

CLXIX

If you are told that such an one speaks ill of you, make no
defence against what was said, but answer, He surely knew not my
other faults, else he would not have mentioned these only!

CLXX

When you visit any of those in power, bethink yourself that
you will not find him in: that you may not be admitted: that the
door may be shut in your face: that he may not concern himself
about you. If with all this, it is your duty to go, bear what
happens, and never say to yourself, It was not worth the trouble!
For that would smack of the foolish and unlearned who suffer
outward things to touch them.