Faith

The soul which is not moved, The soul that with a strong and constant calm Takes sorrow and takes joy indifferently, Lives in the life undying!

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 1.Chapter II, early teaching on the soul, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

He wholly applied himself, as to righteousness in all his actions, so to the common nature in all things that should happen unto him. And contenting himself with these two things, to do all things justly, and whatsoever God doth send to like well of it: what others shall either say or think of him, or shall do against him, he doth not so much as trouble his thoughts with it.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 10.XII, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

It is in my power concerning this thing that is happened, what soever it be, to conceit that which is right and true. If it be, why then am I troubled? Those things that are without my understanding, are nothing to it at all: and that is it only, which doth properly concern me.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 7.II, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Job.Job 2:10, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Ecclesiastes.Ecclesiastes 9:11, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

Be not over-glad Attaining joy, and be not over-sad Encountering grief, but, stayed on Brahma, still Constant let each abide!

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 4.IV, late-middle section, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

Misery!--happiness is to be found by its side! Happiness!--misery lurks beneath it! Who knows what either will come to in the end?

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 57-64.58, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

Philosophy doth consist in this, for a man to preserve that spirit which is within him, from all manner of contumelies and injuries, and above all pains or pleasures; never to do anything either rashly, or feignedly, or hypocritically: wholly to depend from himself and his own proper actions: all things that happen unto him to embrace contentedly, as coming from Him from whom he himself also came; and above all things, with all meekness and a calm cheerfulness, to expect death, as being nothing else but the resolution of those elements, of which every creature is composed.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 2.XV, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

Now to set a certain time to every man's acting, belongs unto him only, who as first he was of thy composition, so is now the cause of thy dissolution. As for thyself; thou hast to do with neither. Go thy ways then well pleased and contented: for so is He that dismisseth thee.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 12.XXVII, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

Thou shalt do; if thou shalt go about every action as thy last action, free from all vanity, all passionate and wilful aberration from reason, and from all hypocrisy, and self-love, and dislike of those things, which by the fates or appointment of God have happened unto thee.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 2.II, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

One prayeth that he may compass his desire, to lie with such or such a one, pray thou that thou mayst not lust to lie with her. Another how he may be rid of such a one; pray thou that thou mayst so patiently bear with him, as that thou have no such need to be rid of him. Another, that he may not lose his child. Pray thou that thou mayst not fear to lose him. To this end and purpose, let all thy prayer be, and see what will be the event.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 9.XL, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

To live happily is an inward power of the soul, when she is affected with indifferency, towards those things that are by their nature indifferent... Now it is in our power, not to print them; and if they creep in and lurk in some corner, it is in our power to wipe them off.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 11.XV, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

As we say commonly, The physician hath prescribed unto this man, riding; unto another, cold baths; unto a third, to go barefoot: so it is alike to say, The nature of the universe hath prescribed unto this man sickness, or blindness, or some loss, or damage or some such thing... These therefore let us accept of in like manner, as we do those that are prescribed unto us our physicians. For them also in themselves shall we find to contain many harsh things, but we nevertheless, in hope of health, and recovery, accept of them.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 5.VIII, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Job.Job 1:21, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

Is any man so foolish as to fear change, to which all things that once were not owe their being? And what is it, that is more pleasing and more familiar to the nature of the universe? How then dost not thou perceive, that for thee also, by death, to come to change, is a thing of the very same nature, and as necessary for the nature of the universe?

— Stoicism · Meditations, 7.XV, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

Every soul shall taste of death: and for trial will we prove you with evil and with good; and unto Us shall ye be brought back.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 21.21:35, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Psalms.Psalms 23:4, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

Man truly is by creation hasty; When evil befalleth him, impatient; But when good falleth to his lot, tenacious.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 70.70:19-21, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Psalms.Psalms 27:14, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

And strain not thine eye after what We have bestowed on divers of them-the braveries of this world-that we may thereby prove them. The portion which thy Lord will give, is better and more lasting.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 20.20:131, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

Let not things future trouble thee. For if necessity so require that they come to pass, thou shalt (whensoever that is) be provided for them with the same reason, by which whatsoever is now present, is made both tolerable and acceptable unto thee.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 7.VI, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

Whensoever by some present hard occurrences thou art constrained to be in some sort troubled and vexed, return unto thyself as soon as may be, and be not out of tune longer than thou must needs. For so shalt thou be the better able to keep thy part another time, and to maintain the harmony, if thou dost use thyself to this continually; once out, presently to have recourse unto it, and to begin again.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 6.IX, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

Give what thou wilt, and take away what thou wilt, saith he that is well taught and truly modest, to Him that gives, and takes away. And it is not out of a stout and peremptory resolution, that he saith it, but in mere love, and humble submission.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 10.XVI, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

Receive temporal blessings without ostentation, when they are sent and thou shalt be able to part with them with all readiness and facility when they are taken from thee again.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 8.XXXI, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Job.Job 13:15, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

Either there is a God, and then all is well; or if all things go by chance and fortune, yet mayest thou use thine own providence in those things that concern thee properly; and then art thou well.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 9.XXVI, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

Thou must not in matter of death carry thyself scornfully, but as one that is well pleased with it, as being one of those things that nature hath appointed. For what thou dost conceive of these, of a boy to become a young man, to wax old, to grow, to ripen, to get teeth, or a beard, or grey hairs to beget, to bear, or to be delivered; or what other action soever it be, that is natural unto man according to the several seasons of his life; such a thing is it also to be dissolved.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 9.III, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

When we bestow favours on man, he withdraweth and goeth aside; but when evil toucheth him, he is despairing.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 17.17:83, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

Then verily along with trouble cometh ease. Verily along with trouble cometh ease. But when thou art set at liberty, then prosecute thy toil. And seek thy Lord with fervour.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 93-104.94:5-8, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Matthew.Matthew 6:34, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

As for life therefore, and death, honour and dishonour, labour and pleasure, riches and poverty, all these things happen unto men indeed, both good and bad, equally; but as things which of themselves are neither good nor bad; because of themselves, neither shameful nor praiseworthy.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 2.VIII, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

If the people be led by laws, and uniformity sought to be given them by punishments, they will try to avoid the punishment, but have no sense of shame. If they be led by virtue, and uniformity sought to be given them by the rules of propriety, they will have the sense of shame, and moreover will become good.

— Confucianism · Analects, 2.3, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

The superior man does not, even for the space of a single meal, act contrary to virtue. In moments of haste, he cleaves to it. In seasons of danger, he cleaves to it.

— Confucianism · Analects, 4.5, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

Who though longing for it themselves, bestowed their food on the poor and the orphan and the captive: 'We feed you for the sake of God: we seek from you neither recompense nor thanks.'

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 71-76.76:8-9, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

Where there is no Torah, there is no right conduct; where there is no right conduct, there is no Torah. Where there is no wisdom, there is no fear of God; where there is no fear of God, there is no wisdom. Where there is no bread, there is no Torah; where there is no Torah, there is no bread.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 3.3:17, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

whoever takes upon himself the yoke of the Torah, they remove from him the yoke of government and the yoke of worldly concerns, and whoever breaks off from himself the yoke of the Torah, they place upon him the yoke of government and the yoke of worldly concerns.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 3.3:5, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

Everything is foreseen yet freedom of choice is granted, And the world is judged with goodness; And everything is in accordance with the preponderance of works.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 3.3:15, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

If you have learned much Torah, do not claim credit for yourself, because for such a purpose were you created.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 2.2:8, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

And every man's fate have we fastened about his neck: and on the day of resurrection will we bring forth to him a book which shall be proffered to him wide open: 'Read thy Book: there needeth none but thyself to make out an account against thee this day.'

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 17.17:13-14, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

Against your will were you formed, against your will were you born, against your will you live, against your will you will die, and against your will you will give an account and reckoning before the King of the kings of kings, the Holy One, blessed be He.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 4.4:22, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

Therefore, thy task prescribed With spirit unattached gladly perform, Since in performance of plain duty man Mounts to his highest bliss.

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 2.Chapter III, middle section, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

You yourself must make an effort. The Tathagatas (Buddhas) are only preachers. The thoughtful who enter the way are freed from the bondage of Mara.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 20.v.276, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, James.James 2:17, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

Yet, the right act Is less, far less, than the right-thinking mind. Seek refuge in thy soul; have there thy heaven! Scorn them that follow virtue for her gifts!

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 1.Chapter II, right mind over right act, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

An evil deed is better left undone, for a man repents of it afterwards; a good deed is better done, for having done it, one does not repent.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 22.v.314, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

Speak the truth, do not yield to anger; give, if thou art asked for little; by these three steps thou wilt go near the gods.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 17.v.224, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

And whoso shall do the things that are right, and be a believer, his efforts shall not be disowned: and surely will we write them down for him.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 21.21:94, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

He who sits Suppressing all the instruments of flesh, Yet in his idle heart thinking on them, Plays the inept and guilty hypocrite: But he who, with strong body serving mind, Gives up his mortal powers to worthy work, Not seeking gain, Arjuna! such an one Is honourable.

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 2.Chapter III, opening section, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Proverbs.Proverbs 24:16, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

The man, who in the view of gain, thinks of righteousness; who in the view of danger is prepared to give up his life; and who does not forget an old agreement however far back it extends:-- such a man may be reckoned a COMPLETE man.

— Confucianism · Analects, 14.13, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

anyone whose fear of sin precedes his wisdom, his wisdom is enduring, but anyone whose wisdom precedes his fear of sin, his wisdom is not enduring. He [also] used to say: anyone whose deeds exceed his wisdom, his wisdom is enduring, but anyone whose wisdom exceeds his deeds, his wisdom is not enduring.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 3.3:9, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

Verily, man's lot is cast amid destruction, Save those who believe and do the things which be right, and enjoin truth and enjoin stedfastness on each other.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 87-81.103:2-3, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

And whosoever shall have wrought an atom's weight of good shall behold it, And whosoever shall have wrought an atom's weight of evil shall behold it.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 87-81.99:7-8, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

Be strong as a leopard, and swift as an eagle, and fleet as a gazelle, and brave as a lion, to do the will of your Father who is in heaven.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 5.5:20, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

That no burdened soul shall bear the burdens of another, And that nothing shall be reckoned to a man but that for which he hath made efforts: And that his efforts shall at last be seen in their true light: That then he shall be recompensed with a most exact recompense.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 56.53:38-41, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

But thou, want not! ask not! Find full reward Of doing right in right! Let right deeds be Thy motive, not the fruit which comes from them. And live in action! Labour! Make thine acts Thy piety, casting all self aside, Contemning gain and merit; equable In good or evil: equability Is Yog, is piety!

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 1.Chapter II, the doctrine of action without attachment, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

He who learns in order to teach, it is granted to him to study and to teach; But he who learns in order to practice, it is granted to him to learn and to teach and to practice.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 4.4:5, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

Not to commit any sin, to do good, and to purify one's mind, that is the teaching of (all) the Awakened.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 14.v.183, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

Excellent is the study of the Torah when combined with a worldly occupation, for toil in them both keeps sin out of one's mind; But [study of the] Torah which is not combined with a worldly occupation, in the end comes to be neglected and becomes the cause of sin.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 2.2:2, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

If a man does what is good, let him do it again; let him delight in it: happiness is the outcome of good.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 9.v.118, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

Abstaining from attachment to the work, Abstaining from rewardment in the work, While yet one doeth it full faithfully, Saying, 'Tis right to do!' that is 'true' act And abstinence!

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 17.Chapter XVIII, middle section, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, James.James 1:22, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

Who giveth away his substance that he may become pure; And who offereth not favours to any one for the sake of recompense, But only as seeking the face of his Lord the Most High.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 107-92.92:18-20, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

The virtuous will be sure to speak correctly, but those whose speech is good may not always be virtuous. Men of principle are sure to be bold, but those who are bold may not always be men of principle.

— Confucianism · Analects, 14.5, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

Let the wise man guard his thoughts, for they are difficult to perceive, very artful, and they rush wherever they list: thoughts well guarded bring happiness.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 3.v.36, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

What is the use of platted hair, O fool! what of the raiment of goat-skins? Within thee there is ravening, but the outside thou makest clean.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 26.v.394, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

Self is the lord of self, who else could be the lord? With self well subdued, a man finds a lord such as few can find.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 12.v.160, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Proverbs.Proverbs 4:23, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

We will not have more regard to thee than to the clear tokens which have come to us, or than to Him who hath made us: doom the doom thou wilt: Thou canst only doom as to this present life.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 20.20:72, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

Look within; within is the fountain of all good. Such a fountain, where springing waters can never fail, so thou dig still deeper and deeper.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 7.XXXI, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

Without knowledge there is no meditation, without meditation there is no knowledge: he who has knowledge and meditation is near unto Nirvana.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 25.v.372, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

If one man conquer in battle a thousand times thousand men, and if another conquer himself, he is the greatest of conquerors.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 8.v.103, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

The day when neither wealth nor children shall avail, Save to him who shall come to God with a sound heart.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 26.26:88-89, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, James.James 1:8, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

"Nought of myself I do!" Thus will he think-who holds the truth of truths--In seeing, hearing, touching, smelling; when He eats, or goes, or breathes; slumbers or talks, Holds fast or loosens, opes his eyes or shuts;

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 4.IV, middle section, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

He that hath not one and the self-same general end always as long as he liveth, cannot possibly be one and the self-same man always.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 11.XIX, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

He in whom there is truth, virtue, love, restraint, moderation, he who is free from impurity and is wise, he is called an elder.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 19.v.261, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

Govern thy heart! Constrain th' entangled sense! Resist the false, soft sinfulness which saps Knowledge and judgment! Yea, the world is strong, But what discerns it stronger, and the mind Strongest; and high o'er all the ruling Soul.

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 2.Chapter III, near end, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

Fearlessness, singleness of soul, the will / Always to strive for wisdom; opened hand / And governed appetites; and piety, / And love of lonely study; humbleness, / Uprightness, heed to injure nought which lives, / Truthfulness, slowness unto wrath, a mind / That lightly letteth go what others prize; / And equanimity, and charity / Which spieth no man's faults; and tenderness / Towards all that suffer; a contented heart, / Fluttered by no desires; a bearing mild, / Modest, and grave, with manhood nobly mixed, / With patience, fortitude, and purity; / An unrevengeful spirit, never given / To rate itself too high;--such be the signs, / O Indian Prince! of him whose feet are set / On that fair path which leads to heavenly birth!

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 15.XVI, opening, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

At what time soever thou wilt, it is in thy power to retire into thyself, and to be at rest, and free from all businesses. A man cannot any whither retire better than to his own soul; he especially who is beforehand provided of such things within, which whensoever he doth withdraw himself to look in, may presently afford unto him perfect ease and tranquillity.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 4.III, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

One's own self conquered is better than all other people; not even a god, a Gandharva, not Mara with Brahman could change into defeat the victory of a man who has vanquished himself, and always lives under restraint.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 8.v.104–105, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

The Brahman with his scrolls and sanctities, The cow, the elephant, the unclean dog, The Outcast gorging dog's meat, are all one.

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 4.IV, late-middle section, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

Humbleness, truthfulness, and harmlessness, Patience and honour, reverence for the wise. Purity, constancy, control of self, Contempt of sense-delights, self-sacrifice, Perception of the certitude of ill In birth, death, age, disease, suffering, and sin; Detachment, lightly holding unto home, Children, and wife, and all that bindeth men; An ever-tranquil heart in fortunes good And fortunes evil, with a will set firm To worship Me--Me only! ceasing not; Loving all solitudes, and shunning noise Of foolish crowds; endeavours resolute To reach perception of the Utmost Soul, And grace to understand what gain it were So to attain,--this is true Wisdom, Prince! And what is otherwise is ignorance!

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 12.XIII, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

The sage whose soul Holds off from outer contacts, in himself Finds bliss; to Brahma joined by piety, His spirit tastes eternal peace.

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 4.IV, late-middle section, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

The scent of flowers does not travel against the wind, nor (that of) sandal-wood, or of Tagara and Mallika flowers; but the odour of good people travels even against the wind; a good man pervades every place.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 4.v.54, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

As rain does not break through a well-thatched house, passion will not break through a well-reflecting mind.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 1.v.14, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

Thus go the Rishis unto rest, who dwell With sins effaced, with doubts at end, with hearts Governed and calm. Glad in all good they live, Nigh to the peace of God; and all those live Who pass their days exempt from greed and wrath, Subduing self and senses, knowing the Soul!

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 4.IV, near end, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

There is nothing more wretched than that soul, which in a kind of circuit compasseth all things, searching even the very depths of the earth; and by all signs and conjectures prying into the very thoughts of other men's souls; and yet of this, is not sensible, that it is sufficient for a man to apply himself wholly, and to confine all his thoughts and cares to the tendance of that spirit which is within him.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 2.XI, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue.

— Confucianism · Analects, 1.3, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 1.v.2, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

Whatsoever any man either doth or saith, thou must be good; not for any man's sake, but for thine own nature's sake; as if either gold, or the emerald, or purple, should ever be saying to themselves, Whatsoever any man either doth or saith, I must still be an emerald, and I must keep my colour.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 7.XII, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

When internal examination discovers nothing wrong, what is there to be anxious about, what is there to fear?

— Confucianism · Analects, 12.4, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

He who sits Suppressing all the instruments of flesh, Yet in his idle heart thinking on them, Plays the inept and guilty hypocrite: But he who, with strong body serving mind, Gives up his mortal powers to worthy work, Not seeking gain, Arjuna! such an one Is honourable.

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 2.Chapter III, opening section, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

In ancient times, men learned with a view to their own improvement. Now-a-days, men learn with a view to the approbation of others.

— Confucianism · Analects, 14.25, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

If a man be without the virtues proper to humanity, what has he to do with the rites of propriety? If a man be without the virtues proper to humanity, what has he to do with music?

— Confucianism · Analects, 3.3, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

Such as thy thoughts and ordinary cogitations are, such will thy mind be in time. For the soul doth as it were receive its tincture from the fancies, and imaginations. Dye it therefore and thoroughly soak it with the assiduity of these cogitations.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 5.XV, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles, and be moving continually to what is right;-- this is the way to exalt one's virtue.

— Confucianism · Analects, 12.10, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

But, like a beautiful flower, full of colour and full of scent, are the fine and fruitful words of him who acts accordingly.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 4.v.52, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

The wise are free from perplexities; the virtuous from anxiety; and the bold from fear.

— Confucianism · Analects, 9.28, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

But if a man shall learn, Even while he lives and bears his body's chain, To master lust and anger, he is blest! He is the Yukta; he hath happiness, Contentment, light, within:

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 4.IV, late-middle section, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

Earnestness is the path of immortality (Nirvana), thoughtlessness the path of death. Those who are in earnest do not die, those who are thoughtless are as if dead already.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 2.v.21, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

A man does not become a Brahmana by his platted hair, by his family, or by birth; in whom there is truth and righteousness, he is blessed, he is a Brahmana.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 26.v.393, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

A man is not learned because he talks much; he who is patient, free from hatred and fear, he is called learned.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 19.v.258, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

Not to blame, not to strike, to live restrained under the law, to be moderate in eating, to sleep and sit alone, and to dwell on the highest thoughts,--this is the teaching of the Awakened.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 14.v.185, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

If thou shalt intend that which is present, following the rule of right and reason carefully, solidly, meekly, and shalt not intermix any other businesses, but shall study this only to preserve thy spirit unpolluted, and pure, and shall cleave unto him without either hope or fear of anything, in all things that thou shalt either do or speak, contenting thyself with heroical truth, thou shalt live happily; and from this, there is no man that can hinder thee.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 3.XIII, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

What the superior man seeks, is in himself. What the mean man seeks, is in others.

— Confucianism · Analects, 15.20, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

When a prince's personal conduct is correct, his government is effective without the issuing of orders. If his personal conduct is not correct, he may issue orders, but they will not be followed.

— Confucianism · Analects, 13.6, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

Well-makers lead the water (wherever they like); fletchers bend the arrow; carpenters bend a log of wood; good people fashion themselves.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 10.v.145, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

He that preferreth before all things his rational part and spirit, and the sacred mysteries of virtue which issueth from it, he shall never lament and exclaim, never sigh; he shall never want either solitude or company: and which is chiefest of all, he shall live without either desire or fear.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 3.VIII, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

The sovereign soul Of him who lives self-governed and at peace Is centred in itself, taking alike Pleasure and pain; heat, cold; glory and shame.

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 5.Chapter 5, mid-passage, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

But there is a taint worse than all taints,--ignorance is the greatest taint. O mendicants! throw off that taint, and become taintless!

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 18.v.243, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

Words that are strictly true seem to be paradoxical.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 73-80.78, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

And like the ocean, day by day receiving Floods from all lands, which never overflows Its boundary-line not leaping, and not leaving, Fed by the rivers, but unswelled by those;-- So is the perfect one! to his soul's ocean The world of sense pours streams of witchery; They leave him as they find, without commotion, Taking their tribute, but remaining sea.

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 1.Chapter II, the ocean simile, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

Therefore the sage seeks to satisfy (the craving of) the belly, and not the (insatiable longing of the) eyes. He puts from him the latter, and prefers to seek the former.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 9-16.12, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

Gentleness is sure to be victorious even in battle, and firmly to maintain its ground. Heaven will save its possessor, by his (very) gentleness protecting him.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 65-72.67, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

Heaven is long-enduring and earth continues long. The reason why heaven and earth are able to endure and continue thus long is because they do not live of, or for, themselves. This is how they are able to continue and endure.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 1-8.7, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

Without going outside his door, one understands (all that takes place) under the sky; without looking out from his window, one sees the Tao of Heaven. The farther that one goes out (from himself), the less he knows.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 41-48.47, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

I will do nothing (of purpose), and the people will be transformed of themselves; I will be fond of keeping still, and the people will of themselves become correct. I will take no trouble about it, and the people will of themselves become rich; I will manifest no ambition, and the people will of themselves attain to the primitive simplicity.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 57-64.57, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

He unto whom--self-centred--grief and joy Sound as one word; to whose deep-seeing eyes The clod, the marble, and the gold are one; Whose equal heart holds the same gentleness For lovely and unlovely things, firm-set, Well-pleased in praise and dispraise; satisfied With honour or dishonour; unto friends And unto foes alike in tolerance; Detached from undertakings,--he is named Surmounter of the Qualities!

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 13.XIII.14-15, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

Health is the greatest of gifts, contentedness the best riches; trust is the best of relationships, Nirvana the highest happiness.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 15.v.204, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

It is the way of Heaven not to strive, and yet it skilfully overcomes; not to speak, and yet it is skilful in obtaining a reply; does not call, and yet men come to it of themselves. Its demonstrations are quiet, and yet its plans are skilful and effective. The meshes of the net of Heaven are large; far apart, but letting nothing escape.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 73-80.73, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

And the servants of the God of Mercy are they who walk upon the Earth softly; and when the ignorant address them, they reply, 'Peace!'

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 25.25:63, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

It is the Way of Heaven to diminish superabundance, and to supplement deficiency. It is not so with the way of man. He takes away from those who have not enough to add to his own superabundance.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 73-80.77, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

In the Way of Heaven, there is no partiality of love; it is always on the side of the good man.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 73-80.79, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

Who can (make) the muddy water (clear)? Let it be still, and it will gradually become clear. Who can secure the condition of rest? Let movement go on, and the condition of rest will gradually arise.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 9-16.15, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

The great Tao (or way) is very level and easy; but people love the by-ways.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 49-56.53, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

When its work is accomplished, it does not claim the name of having done it. It clothes all things as with a garment, and makes no assumption of being their lord. Hence the sage is able (in the same way) to accomplish his great achievements. It is through his not making himself great that he can accomplish them.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 33-40.34, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

With all the sharpness of the Way of Heaven, it injures not; with all the doing in the way of the sage he does not strive.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 81-81.81, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

The superior man is satisfied and composed; the mean man is always full of distress.

— Confucianism · Analects, 7.36, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

He who with equanimity surveys Lustre of goodness, strife of passion, sloth Of ignorance, not angry if they are, Not wishful when they are not: he who sits A sojourner and stranger in their midst Unruffled, standing off, saying--serene-- When troubles break, "These be the Qualities!"

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 13.XIII.14, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

The Great man abides by what is solid, and eschews what is flimsy; dwells with the fruit and not with the flower. It is thus that he puts away the one and makes choice of the other.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 33-40.38, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

A violent wind does not last for a whole morning; a sudden rain does not last for the whole day. To whom is it that these (two) things are owing? To Heaven and Earth. If Heaven and Earth cannot make such (spasmodic) actings last long, how much less can man!

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 17-24.23, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

Who, unto friend and foe Keeping an equal heart, with equal mind Bears shame and glory; with an equal peace Takes heat and cold, pleasure and pain; abides Quit of desires, hears praise or calumny In passionless restraint, unmoved by each; Linked by no ties to earth, steadfast in Me, That man I love!

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 11.Chapter 12, near the end, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

He who devotes himself to learning (seeks) from day to day to increase (his knowledge); he who devotes himself to the Tao (seeks) from day to day to diminish (his doing). He diminishes it and again diminishes it, till he arrives at doing nothing (on purpose). Having arrived at this point of non-action, there is nothing which he does not do.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 41-48.48, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

The Tao in its regular course does nothing (for the sake of doing it), and so there is nothing which it does not do.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 33-40.37, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

give to Him of that which is His, for you and that which is yours is His; and thus it says with regards to David: 'for everything comes from You, and from Your own hand have we given you.'

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 3.3:7, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Proverbs.Proverbs 3:5-6, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Matthew.Matthew 6:24, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

It is simply by being pained at (the thought of) having this disease that we are preserved from it. The sage has not the disease. He knows the pain that would be inseparable from it, and therefore he does not have it.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 65-72.71, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

More precious is one hour in repentance and good deeds in this world, than all the life of the world to come; And more precious is one hour of the tranquility of the world to come, than all the life of this world.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 4.4:17, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

let thy house be a house of meeting for the Sages and sit in the very dust of their feet, and drink in their words with thirst.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 1.1:4, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

Only by fullest service, perfect faith, And uttermost surrender am I known And seen, and entered into, Indian Prince!

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 10.Chapter 10, Krishna's final teaching, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

He FROWNED, and he turned his back, Because the blind man came to him! But what assured thee that he would not be cleansed by the Faith, Or be warned, and the warning profit him? As to him who is wealthy — To him thou wast all attention: Yet is it not thy concern if he be not cleansed: But as to him who cometh to thee in earnest, And full of fears — Him dost thou neglect.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 90-80.80:1-10, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, 1 John.1 John 4:7-8, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

Be certain none can perish, trusting Me! / O Pritha's Son! whoso will turn to Me, / Though they be born from the very womb of Sin, / Woman or man; sprung of the Vaisya caste / Or lowly disregarded Sudra,--all / Plant foot upon the highest path;

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 8.near end, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

The sacrifice which Knowledge pays is better than great gifts Offered by wealth, since gifts' worth--O my Prince!-- Lies in the mind which gives, the will that serves.

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 3.Chapter IV, later section, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

Shall the reward of good be aught but good?

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 55.55:60, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it;-- this is knowledge.

— Confucianism · Analects, 2.17, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Proverbs.Proverbs 31:30, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Matthew.Matthew 6:14-15, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Matthew.Matthew 6:19-21, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

Despair not! give Me lower service! seek To reach Me, worshipping with steadfast will; And, if thou canst not worship steadfastly, Work for Me, toil in works pleasing to Me! For he that laboureth right for love of Me Shall finally attain!

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 11.Chapter 12, middle, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

But he who shall have done the things that are right and is a believer, shall fear neither wrong nor loss.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 20.20:112, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

We created man: and we know what his soul whispereth to him, and we are closer to him than his neck-vein.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 50.50:16, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

He that borrows from man is as one who borrows from God, blessed be He, as it is said, 'the wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous deal graciously and give.'

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 2.2:9, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

They will do; but they are not equal to him, who, though poor, is yet cheerful, and to him, who, though rich, loves the rules of propriety.

— Confucianism · Analects, 1.15, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

mark well three things and you will not come into the power of sin: know from where you come, and where you are going, and before whom you are destined to give an account and reckoning. From where do you come? From a putrid drop. Where are you going? To a place of dust, of worm and of maggot. Before whom you are destined to give an account and reckoning? Before the King of the kings of kings, the Holy One, blessed be He.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 3.3:1, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

Turn it over, and [again] turn it over, for all is therein. And look into it; And become gray and old therein; And do not move away from it, for you have no better portion than it.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 5.5:22, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

And walk not proudly on the earth, for thou canst not cleave the earth, neither shalt thou reach to the mountains in height.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 17.17:37, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

This world is like a vestibule before the world to come; prepare yourself in the vestibule, so that you may enter the banqueting-hall.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 4.4:16, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

With coarse rice to eat, with water to drink, and my bended arm for a pillow;-- I have still joy in the midst of these things. Riches and honours acquired by unrighteousness, are to me as a floating cloud.

— Confucianism · Analects, 7.15, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Psalms.Psalms 51:17, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Proverbs.Proverbs 1:7, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

Just balances will we set up for the day of the resurrection, neither shall any soul be wronged in aught; though, were a work but the weight of a grain of mustard seed, we would bring it forth to be weighed: and our reckoning will suffice.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 21.21:47, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

When you pray, do not make your prayer something automatic, but a plea for compassion before God.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 2.2:13, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

The more Torah, the more life; The more sitting [in the company of scholars], the more wisdom; The more counsel, the more understanding; The more charity, the more peace. If one acquires a good name, he has acquired something for himself; If one acquires for himself knowledge of Torah, he has acquired life in the world to come.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 2.2:7, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

"And who," said he, "despaireth of the mercy of his Lord, but they who err?"

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 15.15:56, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

They who know me are few, and I am on that account (the more) to be prized. It is thus that the sage wears (a poor garb of) hair cloth, while he carries his (signet of) jade in his bosom.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 65-72.70, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

Virtuous, he is free from anxieties; wise, he is free from perplexities; bold, he is free from fear.

— Confucianism · Analects, 14.30, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

Without recognising the ordinances of Heaven, it is impossible to be a superior man. Without an acquaintance with the rules of Propriety, it is impossible for the character to be established. Without knowing the force of words, it is impossible to know men.

— Confucianism · Analects, 20.3, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

They who know the truth are not equal to those who love it, and they who love it are not equal to those who delight in it.

— Confucianism · Analects, 6.18, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

Therefore the sage desires what (other men) do not desire, and does not prize things difficult to get; he learns what (other men) do not learn, and turns back to what the multitude of men have passed by.

— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 57-64.64, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗

Better than sovereignty over the earth, better than going to heaven, better than lordship over all worlds, is the reward of the first step in holiness.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 13.v.178, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

Do not seek greatness for yourself, and do not covet honor. Practice more than you learn. Do not yearn for the table of kings, for your table is greater than their table, and your crown is greater than their crown, and faithful is your employer to pay you the reward of your labor.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 6.6:5, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

A good eye, a humble spirit and a moderate appetite — he is of the disciples of Abraham, our father. An evil eye, a haughty spirit and a limitless appetite — he is of the disciples of Balaam, the wicked.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 5.5:19, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

And follow not that of which thou hast no knowledge; because the hearing and the sight and the heart,-each of these shall be enquired of.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 17.17:36, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

For his own good only shall the guided yield to guidance, and to his own loss only shall the erring err; and the heavy laden shall not be laden with another's load.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 17.17:15, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

The Doors of Hell / Are threefold, whereby men to ruin pass,-- / The door of Lust, the door of Wrath, the door / Of Avarice. Let a man shun those three! / He who shall turn aside from entering / All those three gates of Narak, wendeth straight / To find his peace, and comes to Swarga's gate.

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 15.XVI, closing, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

Look not at what is contrary to propriety; listen not to what is contrary to propriety; speak not what is contrary to propriety; make no movement which is contrary to propriety.

— Confucianism · Analects, 12.1, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

Nay, but as when one layeth His worn-out robes away, And taking new ones, sayeth, "These will I wear to-day!" So putteth by the spirit Lightly its garb of flesh, And passeth to inherit A residence afresh.

— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 1.Chapter II, the robes simile, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗

one with whom men are pleased, God is pleased. But anyone from whom men are displeased, God is displeased.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 3.3:10, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Matthew.Matthew 6:19-21, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗

Death is a cessation from the impression of the senses, the tyranny of the passions, the errors of the mind, and the servitude of the body.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 6.XXVI, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

Let death surprise me when it will, and where it will, I may be εὔμοιρος, or a happy man, nevertheless. For he is a happy man, who in his lifetime dealeth unto himself a happy lot and portion. A happy lot and portion is, good inclinations of the soul, good desires, good actions.

— Stoicism · Meditations, 5.XXX, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗

Every dispute that is for the sake of Heaven, will in the end endure; But one that is not for the sake of Heaven, will not endure.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 5.5:17, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

Therefore, one ought to follow the wise, the intelligent, the learned, the much enduring, the dutiful, the elect; one ought to follow a good and wise man, as the moon follows the path of the stars.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 15.v.208, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗

And the Heaven, He hath reared it on high, and hath appointed the balance; That in the balance ye should not transgress. Weigh therefore with fairness, and scant not the balance.

— Qur’an · Qur'an, 55.55:7-9, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗

This world is like a vestibule before the world to come; prepare yourself in the vestibule, so that you may enter the banqueting-hall.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 4.4:16, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

With coarse rice to eat, with water to drink, and my bended arm for a pillow;-- I have still joy in the midst of these things. Riches and honours acquired by unrighteousness, are to me as a floating cloud.

— Confucianism · Analects, 7.15, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

Let the honor of your student be as dear to you as your own, and the honor of your colleague as the reverence for your teacher, and the reverence for your teacher as the reverence of heaven.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 4.4:12, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving mankind and drawing them close to the Torah.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 1.1:12, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

The more Torah, the more life; The more sitting [in the company of scholars], the more wisdom; The more counsel, the more understanding; The more charity, the more peace. If one acquires a good name, he has acquired something for himself; If one acquires for himself knowledge of Torah, he has acquired life in the world to come.

— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 2.2:7, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗

Serving men in an upright way, where shall I go to, and not experience such a thrice-repeated dismissal? If I choose to serve men in a crooked way, what necessity is there for me to leave the country of my parents?

— Confucianism · Analects, 18.2, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗

"One is the road that leads to wealth, another the road that leads to Nirvana;" if the Bhikshu, the disciple of Buddha, has learnt this, he will not yearn for honour, he will strive after separation from the world.

— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 5.v.75, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗