A man who lacks reliability is utterly useless.

The way of the superior person is threefold; virtuous, they are free from anxieties; wise they are free from perplexities; and bold they are free from fear.

The Master said of Gong Yechang, “He is marriageable. Although he was once imprisoned and branded as a criminal, he was in fact innocent of any crime.” The Master gave him his daughter in marriage. (Analects 5.1)

A lack of patience in trifling matters might lead to the disruption of great project.

At fifteen my mind was directed to study, and at thirty I knew where to stand.

The superior man does what is proper to the station in which he is; he does not desire to go beyond this. In a position of wealth and honor, he does what is proper to a position of wealth and honor. In a poor and low position, he does what is proper to a poor and low position.

One who will study for three years. Without thought of reward. Would be hard indeed to find.