The gentleman is calm and at ease. The gentleman is dignified but not proud; the small man is proud but not dignified.
ConfuciusThe Master said, “A true gentleman is one who has set his heart upon the Way. A fellow who is ashamed merely of shabby clothing or modest meals is not even worth conversing with.” (Analects 4.9)
ConfuciusIf the people are governed by laws and punishment is used to maintain order, they will try to avoid the punishment but have no sense of shame. If they are governed by virtue and rules of propriety are used to maintain order, they will have a sense of shame and will become good as well.
ConfuciusWhen you see a good man, try to emulate his example, and when you see a bad man, search yourself for his faults.
ConfuciusThe superior man, when resting in safety, does not forget that danger may come. When in a state of security he does not forget the possibility of ruin. When all is orderly, he does not forget that disorder may come. Thus his person is not endangered, and his States and all their clans are preserved.
Confucius