An empty iron box gets valued when it contains jewels; the body is honored when it contains the jewel of consciousness and values known as virtues.
Life has to be lived through for the sake of the chance to unfold the virtues. Otherwise, man is a burden upon the Earth, merely a consumer of food.
A virtuous character is the lamp which illuminates the path to peace and joy.
Some consider themselves great because they have vast territory, some because they have a lot of wealth, some because they have a large population; but the greatness is virtue which earns the Grace of God.
(Gems of Wisdom, Virtue, pg 229)
