Some quotes from Adi Sankara’s Prasnottara Ratna Malika (Question – Answer-Gem Necklace) in Sanskrit, which is meant to elevate the seeker, by providing answers to doubts that may arise in the mind of the devotees:
Adi Shankaracharya - Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam

What is the most desirable for human beings?   Life dedicated to one’s and others’ welfare.
What is Charity? Expecting no return.  
What do those who have destroyed dark ignorance specially urge repeatedly?   Charity along with sweet words, knowledge with humility, courage with patience, wealth with renunciation. These four auspicious things are hard to attain.