From the Hávamál.
- Be a person of worldly intelligence if you desire to sit with kings. The man who only carries the limited scope of his village will be a laughing stock.
- Travel far and wide and you shall possess the secrets of man.
- When fear leads the way, the destination is never glorious.
- As one candle can light another, so greatness of mind can be transferred amongst men. To remain in solitude is to deprive oneself of this kindling. (Proximity principle).
- Take care with your speech. You never know who could be landing an ear to your ramblings.
- Arise early. The slothful wolf starves and the sleeping man rarely sees victory.
- Understand that a storm can change its course without warning. Always be prepared to brave a storm. (Amat Victoria Curam)
- Defeat your enemies in the fields before they reach your house. (Preemptive strike).
- No matter how cautiously you live, there is no escaping the fatal clutches of old age so then better to join the fray and fight proudly for something worth obtaining.
- A good friend speaks truly and from the heart. The one whose speech is always pleasant cannot be trusted.
- What will be etched into history about your life? what legend will be left long after you're gone? how have you made this world better? Ponder these questions daily.
- There is always a sage wiser and a warrior bolder than yourself, be careful not to become too comfortable.
- Boastful thinking and exclamations of one's brilliance attracts misfortune into one's life. Live humbly with quiet confidence and troubles will rarely beset you.
- Enemies often lurk in the shadows. Around corners it would be wise to check them before venturing forth on your path.
- Moderate yourself ruthlessly allowing greed to consume you will bring nothing but sorrow.
- The critical man is quick to point the finger and causes much dismay amongst others he is unknowing that he too shares in their faults.
- Lying awake in the night battling with ill thoughts offers no solutions. You rise unrested and in no better position than before.
- No matter if your dwelling is a fragile shack of sticks and mud. It is valuable to have a home. Nothing crushes a man's spirit more than having to beg.
- Joyous is he who shares in his riches. The coward hordes and lives in fear rarely delighting in the fortune that seldom comes his way.
- Do not be ashamed of having simple clothing. Pay more attention to your hygiene and demeanor.
- Do not be fooled by money it makes the most unreliable friend.
- Give praise for each day regardless of what fate brings.
- When the winds are harsh, one should chop wood. In fair weather, row out to sea. In the romantic glow of candlelight, passionately talk with a woman. Use a ship for travel, a shield for defense, and a sword for striking. Everything has its time and place.
- Common sense is your best friend.
