Some of the Talmud’s deepest teachings sound less like abstract religion and more like a guide to human psychology and everyday life

Choni Hamagol [known for miracles through prayer]: “Either companionship or death” (Taanis 23a) 

"Life is not worth living if one’s colleagues do not treat him with the respect to which he is accustomed" - Rashi. [an intense emotional state to live in]

“a person should always live the in the place of his teacher” - Ulla (berachos 8a)

Elijah instructed Rabbi Nassan that the food he eats should fill only one third of his stomach’s capacity, drink should fill another third, and that the last third should remain empty - Talmud

“the reward in the world to come is only a product of the work one does in this world” - Rabbi Yakov, a teacher of Rebbi 

"There may be a 7 year famine, but it does not enter a craftman’s door [for he can rely on his craft to sustain him]." - Rava

Rav Sheishes warned against overeating in general, saying that, “filling the stomach ranks among the types of evil” (Berachos 32a) 

"The Talmud makes surprisingly strong claims about what a human being needs to live well, from companionship and meaningful work to teachers, self-control, and a reason to keep growing."

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