The advantages of education are thus set forth by a philosopher who was exhorting his children: "Acquire knowledge, for in worldly riches and possessions no reliance can be placed.[8] Rank will be of no use out of your own country; and on a journey money is in danger of being lost, for either the thief may carry it off all at once, or the possessor may consume it by degrees. But knowledge is a perennial spring of wealth, and if a man of education cease to be opulent, yet he need not be sorrowful, for knowledge of itself is riches.[9] A man of learning, wheresoever he goes, is treated with respect, and sits in the uppermost seat, whilst the ignorant man gets only scanty fare and encounters distress." There once happened (adds Saadi) an insurrection in Damascus, where every one deserted his habitation. The wise sons of a peasant became the king's ministers, and the stupid sons of the vazir were reduced to ask charity in the villages. If you want a paternal inheritance, acquire from your father knowledge, for wealth may be spent in ten days. [8] "All perishes except learning."--_Auvaiyar_. [9] "Learning is really the most valuable treasure.--A wise man will never cease to learn.--He who has attained learning by free self-application excels other philosophers.--Let thy learning be thy best friend.--What we have learned in youth is like writing cut in stone.--If all else should be lost, what we have learned will never be lost.--Learn one thing after another, but not hastily.--Though one is of low birth, learning will make him respected."--_Auvaiyar_.