The 21 Sayings of Sustan
From Book Nine of KANNES — Azine
“When I was young my father spoke of the 21 Saws, sayings he had formed that helped him to govern, judge, learn, and when necessary make war. They are the choicest of his library, held by me in sanctity, measured with all due jurisprudence. “When I reach my end,” he spoke, “many will seek my throne and a difficult decision will be thrust upon you. Choose wisely, embrace my words, seek out understanding, and know that you will surpass my kingdom in glory.”
I desired explanation but he would say no more. So I waited and pondered until an elevated degree of understanding settled upon me. Let it be known that since my ascension, as I have taken my place as the right and just ruler, I now deem it prudent to make known his words for mu subjects and all Terran progeny. Written here, for those who will, for those desirous to understand, cherish, and uphold them.” — Selusus, King of Terran
The 21 Sayings of Sustan, King of Terran, Illustrious Lord of Anya, Supreme Rector of Axum Ascendency.
1. Be not blinded by invention and vain philosophy masked as science. All things are in constant motion. Time is the measurement of motion and the intervals between initial velocity and absolute zero. This governing axion is eternal.
2. Understand that life is marked by continual imperilments, but there is both good and bad in all things.
3. An interpretation of a thing is the beginning of war and a desperate person will show no mercy.
4. Even the very small have enemies, and even the powerful have friends.
5. Give weight to important decisions, for afterwards you will see the outcome. Fail fast, learn and then learn again.
6. In my youth I sat in the places of power to learn at the feet of the mighty, I then observed and made note of the weak to understand that in both there is good and evil, but who can know a person’s heart?
7. Look for that closest to you, temporality of momentum, calibrate, and then know of your desire.
8. Speak to an opponent with measured discretion, for much is said with few words, and a truth can justify or condemn any point of view.
9. Youth is a disease for which there is no cure but time
10. A wise youth adds strength to a family, but a child without manners is like muddy water.
11. Giving strength to a young person is like rebuilding an old house, when they are aged they will rebuild it again.
12. To dream of working will bring nothing but regret. Plan well, rejoice in your works, or you will have no rest.
13. Remember that the necessity of business destroys passion in even a cherished desire. Give important matters much consideration, win the confidence of your adversary to revive initiative.
14. Speak loud in a wide room but remember there are many eyes watching.
15. Measurements are taken to understand, but a wrong turn provides chance for adventure.
16. Never ask a crowd for advice, for there is no end to their suggestions.
17. Sight is a gift, but in this life you will behold many evils.
18. Lust with the eye and you will have inconvenient memories.
19. There are some problems that have no end. Mark each step to know your way out.
20. A person’s sincerity is measured by how they openly respond to critics.
21. If you indulge in a thing, remember it, whether it was good or bad. Give into your desire, refine, and you will know who you are.
