When you are laboring for others, let it be with the same zeal as if it were for yourself.

When a nation or family is about to flourish, there are sure to be happy omens; and when it is about to perish, there are sure to be unlucky omens.

A wise man seeks by music to strengthen his soul: the thoughtless one uses it to stifle his fears.

First there must be order and harmony within your own mind. Then this order will spread to your family, then to the community, and finally to your entire kingdom. Only then can you have peace and harmony.

Unify your attention. Do not listen with your ears, but with your mind. Do not listen with your mind but with your essence.

Do not let a leader lead you on a bad path.

One who has accumulated virtue will certainly also possess eloquence; but he who has eloquence doe not necessarily possess virtue.