Some people are pricked by their consciences, but do nothing to assuage the ruffled feelings of others, thinking that to do so would be sheer weakness and would mean a loss of face. Such people can never have healthy social relationships and can never win the respect of their fellow men. It is only he who has learned the art of moral introspection who will, in the long run, prove himself a person of inviolable integrity.
The only initiative worth taking is one which will yield positive results. If one embarks on a destructive course of action it will be oneself that suffers: therefore, one should steer clear of such actions, as any sensible person steers clear of destroying his own life.
Some disagreement is always inevitable between two parties or individuals in this world. But it is also inevitable that there must be some areas of agreement. This being the case, there is only one way to prosper and progress; that is, to ignore the matters that divide one from others, and concentrate on cultivating areas of mutual concern.
The notion that God helps those who help themselves means that although man’s role is a very minor one, it is nevertheless a very necessary one. A man must prove his worth to have his due share of God’s gifts. We must never, therefore, neglect to make ourselves deserving of God’s nourishment
