There is truth, my boy. But the doctrine you desire, absolute, perfect dogma that alone provides wisdom, does not exist. Nor should you long for a perfect doctrine, my friend. Rather, you should long for the perfection of yourself. The deity is within you, not in ideas and books. Truth is lived, not taught.

Meaning: Someone's belief may have been produced by what they want to be true, rather than by good evidence that it is true.

Meaning: Unrequested advice can be as unwelcome as altering someone’s food without asking. Check whether help is wanted before assuming you know what another person needs.

Meaning: A request made at a higher level leaves room to reduce it later. The saying describes flexibility in an opening demand, while its advice needs limits: an inflated request can undermine trust or ignore what the other person can reasonably offer.

Meaning: An outward container does not establish the quality of what is inside. Look for evidence about the substance rather than relying on packaging, appearance or a reassuring presentation.