Don't let the government win.

Protect what belongs to you at all costs; don't desire what belongs to another.

Abandon every hope, all you who enter.

In questions of power, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the constitution.

Take care that none of them escapes.

Consider how wise and careful you must be. Do not gamble with your eternal fate.

Never make a politician grant you a favour They will always want to control you forever.

Guard well and reverence that form of government
Which will eschew alike licence and slavery;
And from your polity do not wholly banish fear.
For what man living, freed from fear, will still be just?
Hold fast such upright fear of the law’s sanctity

Don't shake the hand of reality with one finger.

If someone puts their hands on you make sure they never put their hands on anybody else again.

Meanwhile, hold fast to this thought, and grip it close: yield not to adversity; trust not to prosperity; keep before your eyes the full scope of Fortune’s power, as if she would surely do whatever is in her power to do.

Never let anyone get anything on you.

Do not let anyone else run your business.

If the Government gets hold of you they'll flog you to death; if the Buddhists get hold of you they'll starve you to death.