The wise man reads both books and life itself.

Meaning: Difficulty can expose weaknesses that praise or favourable circumstances leave unnoticed. Adversity is pictured as an unflattering observer, inviting an honest assessment without making hardship necessary for growth or a complete test of someone’s character.

Meaning: You cannot fully judge another person’s difficulties from what is visible. Listen before assuming that their task or situation is easy to bear.

Meaning: When every available option is poor, choosing the best may still leave a poor result. The saying recognises a constrained comparison, inviting scrutiny of the options without proving that no improvement or alternative can be found.

Meaning: Attractive appearance does not by itself meet practical needs. The saying contrasts admiration with material provision; it does not make beauty worthless or define a person’s value by what they can provide.