There is no poverty more severe than ignorance, and no wealth more beneficial than reason. There is no loneliness more desolate than conceit , and no support more reliable than consultation. There is no intellect like planning, and no noble lineage like good character. There is no piety like restraint, and no worship like reflection. There is no faith like modesty and patience. The bane of speech is lying, and the bane of knowledge is forgetfulness. The bane of forbearance is foolishness, and the bane of worship is languor (loss of fervor). The bane of wit is arrogance, and the bane of bravery is aggression. The bane of generosity is reminding others of your favors, and the bane of beauty is vanity, and the bane of noble lineage is boasting. O my son, never look down upon any man you see. If he is older than you, consider him your father; if he is like you, he is your brother; and if he is younger than you, consider him your son."