But what is your duty? What the day demands. [Ger., Was aber ist deine Pflicht? Die Forderung des Tages.]

How can we know ourselves? Never by reflection, but only through action. Begin at once to do your duty and immediately you will know what is inside you.

How can you come to know yourself? Never by thinking; always by doing. Try to do your duty, and you'll know right away what you amount to.

How shall we learn to know ourselves? By reflection? Never; but only through action. Strive to do thy duty; then you shall know what is in thee.

The formation of one's character ought to be everyone's chief aim.

It is in human nature to relax, when not compelled by personal advantage or disadvantage.