The determined scholar and the man of virtue will not seek to live at the expense of injuring their virtue. They will even sacrifice their lives to preserve their virtue complete.

The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.

In his dealings with the world, the gentleman is not invariably for or against anything. He is on the side of what is moral.

Learn as though you would never be able to master it; hold it as though you would be in fear of losing it.

Men's natures are alike; it is their habits that separate them.

Those who do not study are only cattle dressed up in men's clothes.

The superior man has a dignified ease without pride. The mean man has pride without a dignified ease.