In all good or bad fortune, he will behave with moderation; in not highly valuing even the highest thing of all, honour itself, he may seem to others supercilious.

Wealth and fortune contribute to high-mindedness; but most of all, superior goodness; for the character cannot exist without perfect virtue.

The high-minded man neither shuns nor courts danger; nor is he indisposed to risk even his life.

He gives favours, but does not accept them; he is proud to the great, but affable to the lowly.

He attempts only great and important matters; is open in friendship and in hatred; truthful in conduct, with an ironical reserve.