This Proverb teaches us also, in another sense, never to attempt a thing we are not masters of—Strive not against the Stream—unless you are satis|fied to have your labour for your pains. It is only waste of time, anxiety, disgrace, and loss of trouble.In every action, then, of our lives, let prudence dictate. Suffer not a trifling injury to become a a serious wrong, through a feeble attempt to re|dress it. Lose not the substance, like Aesop's dog, in pursuit of the shadowThis greedy dog, crossing a river, with a piece of meat in his mouth, saw his shadow in the water, which he took for another dog, with a piece of meat; catching, therefore, at that, he lost the piece he was in possession of.. Avoid conten|tion with those who are more powerful than your|self. If a man affronts you, and you cannot knock him down, as Lord Chesterfield says, never see the affront; and always remember, that it is not only dangerous, but the very height of folly, to Kick against the Pricks.0