Never die of another’s bad luck. Notice those who stick in the mud, and observe how they call others to their aid so as to console themselves with a companion in misfortune. They seek someone to help them to bear misfortune, and often those who turned the cold shoulder on them in prosperity now give them a helping hand. There is a great caution needed in helping the drowning without endangering oneself.

Do you have those people around you who are continually bringing everyone down? Well I can tell you from personal experience that these people should be avoided. When someone is in a bad mood, they spread it. Even if it is not conscious, people in bad moods spread the mood to everyone they come across.
I’m not telling you to turn your back on your friends when they are down, but just be weary of those people who are always in a bad mood. There is a big difference between people in need and those who want sympathy.

An excerpt from The Art of Worldly Wisdom. I always keep this little book around because every time I open it I get a small piece of enlightenment about life.