22. FebruaryDesire makes a fool of whoever it rules. The lover, like the greedy man, serves a master who is never sated. 1. MayWhoever does not rein in the senses is reined in by them. Desire, once satisfied, is not sated — it grows with its food as fire grows with oil. 14. JulyThe musk deer carries the scent in its own body and roams the forest searching for it. What you hunt outside has long been living in you. 10. AugustMake yourself independent of what is not in your hands. Whoever needs little is rich; whoever desires everything stays poor, even if the world were his. 16. SeptemberEven the most violent passions grant us rest now and then. Only vanity never leaves us in peace. 1. OctoberWithin our power are judgement, impulse, desire and aversion — in a word, everything that is our own doing. Not within our power are body, possessions, reputation and offices. 26. OctoberWhoever is master over what you desire or fear is your master. Do you want to be free? Then desire and fear nothing that lies with others — otherwise you must serve. 27. OctoberWhoever holds to the golden mean is spared the squalor of crumbling hovels and shuns the palace that others envy.