On the Attributes of Mars

He who knows what iron is, knows the attributes of Mars.
He who knows Mars, knows the qualities of iron.

(Paracelsus)

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Gold is valuable, but it cannot equal iron in its multiplicity of uses.

(Yoshida Kenko, Tsurezuregusa)

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One must be compelled to wear fetters of iron, and yet many wear the weightier fetters of gold by choice. But note that the pain of iron often compels one to seek release from it, while the delight of gold often buries one ever deeper in chains. Because of this, wise men have said that pain is greater than pleasure, for it induces one to wisdom.

(Porphyry to Marcella)