To thine own country be true

Before you "dis" (or let anyone else disrespect) your own country, you may just want to shut your mouth, and learn a little about what's really going on outside (or even and especially within) your own borders. There's never any grass greener than what you can take your shoes off and walk in, right smack dab in the place you were born. Because as always, there truly is no place like home.

The Edification of Friends and Foes Alike

Sometimes friends are hidden enemies. Sometimes enemies are hidden friends. Be grateful to all for the lessons that they may teach you.

Don't Be a Bully

 Might does not always make right. Sometimes it just makes you a self-righteous bully.

On the Nature of Intimidation and Ever Bigger Fish to Fry

Those who rely on violence, or the threat of violence, and intimidation never really win. They just create more enemies and even a host of imaginary potential foes. Being too obsessed with self protection doesn't necessarily make one more secure, but usually increases the likelihood of attack from without; not to mention self defeat from within. In other words, if you're always painting targets on others, then you yourself may inevitably end up becoming the biggest mark of all. Remember, there is always someone out there with a mightier sword. There is always a bigger fish, and eventually, even the biggest fish can end up being consumed by a superior number of smaller ones.

On the Nature of Pain

Whatever you do, don't hurt yourself today. There are always people out there who are just waiting to do that for you. Because they too are in pain.