1 Title of the Book - (introduction)

2 Invocative Formula and Praise - (introduction)

3 The Superiority of Past Generations - (introduction)

4 Legacy and Transmission of Knowledge - (analysis)

5 The Comprehensiveness of Inherited Knowledge - (analysis)

6 The Importance of Fundamentals - (transition)

7 Fundamentals of Religion - (aphorism-compilation)

8 Fundamentals of Physical Well-being - (aphorism-compilation)

9 Fundamentals of Courage - (aphorism-compilation)

10 Fundamentals of Generosity - (aphorism-compilation)

11 Fundamentals of Speech - (aphorism-compilation)

12 Fundamentals of Financial Management - (aphorism-compilation)

13 Guidance on Subtle Ethics - (transition)

14 Dealing with Leadership - (aphorism-compilation)

15 Avoiding the Love of Praise - (aphorism-compilation)

16 Rejecting Praise - (aphorism-compilation)

17 Priorities in Leadership - (aphorism-compilation)

18 Seeking Wise Counsel - (aphorism-compilation)

19 Seeking the Approval of the Righteous - (aphorism-compilation)

20 Treating People According to their Worth - (aphorism-compilation)

21 Understanding Avenues of Access and Fear - (aphorism-compilation)

22 Knowing Your Subordinates - (aphorism-compilation)

23 Avoiding Hasty Rewards and Punishments - (aphorism-compilation)

24 Accepting Criticism - (aphorism-compilation)

25 Balancing Involvement and Delegation - (aphorism-compilation)

26 Managing Resources Wisely - (aphorism-compilation)

27 Consequences of Mismanaging Resources - (aphorism-compilation)

28 Controlling Anger and Bestowing Favors - (aphorism-compilation)

29 Three Types of Rule - (aphorism-compilation)

30 The Dangers of Rule by Whim - (aphorism-compilation)

31 The Illusion of Effortless Success - (aphorism-compilation)

32 Moderation in Speech and Demeanor - (aphorism-compilation)

33 The Peril of Unreliable Allies - (aphorism-compilation)

34 Unbecoming Traits in Leaders - (aphorism-compilation)

35 Balancing Leadership and Leisure - (aphorism-compilation)

36 Combating Bias in Judgment - (aphorism-compilation)

37 Overcoming Negative Perceptions - (aphorism-compilation)

38 Addressing the Needs of the People - (aphorism-compilation)

39 Avoiding Envy of Subordinates - (aphorism-compilation)

40 Valuing Sincere Counsel - (aphorism-compilation)

41 Avoiding Suspicion - (aphorism-compilation)

42 The Importance of Deliberation - (aphorism-compilation)

43 The Power of Example - (aphorism-compilation)

44 Two Essential Aspects of Leadership - (aphorism-compilation)

45 Conduct in the Company of Kings - (transition)

46 Treating Rulers with Respect - (aphorism-compilation)

47 Navigating Relationships with Former Superiors - (aphorism-compilation)

48 Seeking Help and Offering Apologies - (aphorism-compilation)

49 Choosing When to Speak - (aphorism-compilation)

50 Nurturing Relationships - (aphorism-compilation)

51 Accepting Apologies - (aphorism-compilation)

52 The Value of True Friends - (aphorism-compilation)

53 Recognizing True Friends - (aphorism-compilation)

54 Advising Rulers with Sincerity - (aphorism-compilation)

55 Choosing Companions Wisely - (aphorism-compilation)

56 The Deceitfulness of Appearances - (aphorism-compilation)

57 Avoiding Bias in Counsel - (aphorism-compilation)

58 Navigating Corrupt Leadership - (aphorism-compilation)

59 Approaching Differences with Leaders - (aphorism-compilation)

60 Guiding Leaders Subtly - (aphorism-compilation)

61 Avoiding Reminders of Past Favors - (aphorism-compilation)

62 The Fickleness of Power - (aphorism-compilation)

63 Exceptions to Fickleness - (aphorism-compilation)

64 Avoiding Complaints and Expectations - (aphorism-compilation)

65 Dealing with Slander and Envy - (aphorism-compilation)

66 Respectful Communication with Leaders - (aphorism-compilation)

67 Interacting with the Disgraced - (aphorism-compilation)

68 Declining Unfavorable Tasks - (aphorism-compilation)

69 Maintaining Composure During Favor and Disgrace - (aphorism-compilation)

70 Avoiding Secrecy - (aphorism-compilation)

71 The Dangers of Lying - (aphorism-compilation)

72 Attributing Success to Others - (aphorism-compilation)

73 The Art of Responding Carefully - (aphorism-compilation)

74 Qualities for Effective Communication - (aphorism-compilation)

75 Attentive Listening - (aphorism-compilation)

76 Treating Peers with Respect - (aphorism-compilation)

77 Avoiding Public Disagreement - (aphorism-compilation)

78 Maintaining Perspective in Positions of Favor - (aphorism-compilation)

79 Avoiding Excessive Talk on Specific Topics - (aphorism-compilation)

80 Discretion in Sharing Disagreements - (aphorism-compilation)

81 Accepting Differences in Opinion - (aphorism-compilation)

82 Navigating Generosity and Frugality - (aphorism-compilation)

83 The Challenges of Serving Rulers - (aphorism-compilation)

84 The Risks of Serving Rulers - (aphorism-compilation)

85 Maintaining Distance from Rulers - (aphorism-compilation)

86 The Chapter of Friendship - (transition)

87 Loyalty and Discretion - (aphorism-compilation)

88 Avoiding Plagiarism - (aphorism-compilation)

89 Attributing Accomplishments to Friends - (aphorism-compilation)

90 Avoiding Interruptions - (aphorism-compilation)

91 Choosing the Right Time to Speak - (aphorism-compilation)

92 Listening More Than Speaking - (aphorism-compilation)

93 Balancing Seriousness and Humor - (aphorism-compilation)

94 Understanding Friendships with Adversaries - (aphorism-compilation)

95 Avoiding Arrogance in Conversations - (aphorism-compilation)

96 Reciprocating Kindness - (aphorism-compilation)

97 The Danger of False Claims (1) - (aphorism-compilation)

98 The Danger of False Claims (2) - (aphorism-compilation)

99 Avoiding Pretentious Displays of Knowledge - (aphorism-compilation)

100 Humility in Knowledge - (aphorism-compilation)

101 Letting Actions Speak Louder - (aphorism-compilation)

102 The Value of Concealing Knowledge - (aphorism-compilation)

103 Avoiding Showmanship of Knowledge - (aphorism-compilation)

104 Prioritizing Actions over Words - (aphorism-compilation)

105 Justice for Enemies, Satisfaction for Friends - (aphorism-compilation)

106 Maintaining Friendships - (aphorism-compilation)

107 Choosing Friends Wisely - (aphorism-compilation)

108 Dangers of Intoxication - (aphorism-compilation)

109 The Perils of Bad Company - (aphorism-compilation)

110 Two Modes of Behavior - (aphorism-compilation)

111 Controlling One’s Tongue - (aphorism-compilation)

112 Supporting Friends in Need - (aphorism-compilation)

113 Rejoicing in a Friend’s Success - (aphorism-compilation)

114 Humility in the Face of Past Favors - (aphorism-compilation)

115 Controlling Negative Emotions - (aphorism-compilation)

116 The Importance of Self-Discipline - (aphorism-compilation)

117 The Persistence of Negative Tendencies - (aphorism-compilation)

118 Patience with Difficult People - (aphorism-compilation)

119 True Patience - (aphorism-compilation)

120 The Love of Knowledge - (aphorism-compilation)

121 Two Types of Generosity - (aphorism-compilation)

122 Combating Envy - (aphorism-compilation)

123 Discretion in Dealing with Enemies - (transition)

124 Strategic Engagement with Enemies - (aphorism-compilation)

125 Subduing Enemies Through Strategy - (aphorism-compilation)

126 Observing Enemies - (aphorism-compilation)

127 Avoiding Curses and Insults - (aphorism-compilation)

128 Concealing One’s Cleverness - (aphorism-compilation)

129 Projecting Confidence and Caution - (aphorism-compilation)

130 Self-Reflection as a Defense - (aphorism-compilation)

131 Preparing for Personal Attacks - (aphorism-compilation)

132 The Dangers of Infatuation - (aphorism-compilation)

133 The Illusion of Unattainable Beauty - (aphorism-compilation)

134 The Folly of Blind Pursuit - (aphorism-compilation)

135 Self-Deception and Restraint - (aphorism-compilation)

136 Embracing Humility - (aphorism-compilation)

137 The Pitfalls of Argumentation - (aphorism-compilation)

138 Actions Speak Louder Than Words - (aphorism-compilation)

139 Prioritizing Tasks - (aphorism-compilation)

140 Moderation in All Things - (aphorism-compilation)

141 Avoiding False Generosity, Speech, and Knowledge - (aphorism-compilation)

142 Discerning and Sharing Impressive Stories - (aphorism-compilation)

143 Avoiding Sensationalism - (aphorism-compilation)

144 Verifying Information - (aphorism-compilation)

145 Accepting Forgiveness and Showing Generosity - (aphorism-compilation)

146 Responding to Foolishness - (aphorism-compilation)

147 Maintaining Respect in Relationships - (aphorism-compilation)

148 Avoiding Triumphalism - (aphorism-compilation)

149 True Sources of Honor - (aphorism-compilation)

150 Courage and Contentment - (aphorism-compilation)

151 Discerning Genuine Requests - (aphorism-compilation)

152 Strategic Use of Praise and Criticism - (aphorism-compilation)

153 Discerning True Character - (aphorism-compilation)

154 Overcoming Bias in Decision-Making - (aphorism-compilation)

155 Balancing Dependence and Independence - (aphorism-compilation)

156 Adapting Communication to the Audience - (aphorism-compilation)

157 Loyalty to Friends - (aphorism-compilation)

158 Kindness to Friends’ Companions - (aphorism-compilation)

159 Sensitivity to Others’ Emotions - (aphorism-compilation)

160 Responding to Unfavorable Information - (aphorism-compilation)

161 Cultivating Love and Security - (aphorism-compilation)

162 Qualities that Foster Affection - (aphorism-compilation)

163 The Art of Listening - (aphorism-compilation)

164 Accepting the Unpredictability of Advice - (aphorism-compilation)

165 Avoiding Interruptions and Showing Generosity - (aphorism-compilation)

166 Adapting Language to the Audience - (aphorism-compilation)

167 The Power of Caution - (aphorism-compilation)

168 Discerning True Detachment - (aphorism-compilation)

169 Avoiding Sensitive Topics - (aphorism-compilation)

170 The Transparency of Malice - (aphorism-compilation)

171 The Example of an Admirable Companion - (conclusion)