Let every man consider virtue as what devolves on himself. He may not yield the performance of it even to his teacher.

First there must be order and harmony within your own mind.

To throw oneself into strange teachings is quite dangerous.

Is any one able for one day to apply his strength to virtue? I have not seen the case in which his strength would be sufficient.

Thought, unassisted by learning, is dangerous.

See a person's means ... Observe his motives. Examine that in which he rests. How can a person conceal his character?

There may be men who act without understanding why. I do not. To listen much, pick out the good and follow it; to see much and ponder it: this comes next to understanding.