Time flows away like the water in the river.

Coarse rice to eat, water to drink, my bended arm for a pillow - therein is happiness. Wealth and rank attained through immoral means are nothing but drifting clouds.

A superior man in dealing with the world is not for anything or against anything. He follows righteousness as the standard.

Guide them by edicts, keep them in line with punishments, and the common people will stay out of trouble but will have no sense of shame. Guide them by virtue, keep them in line with the rites, and they will, besides having a sense of shame, reform themselves.

Don't worry about being acknowledged by others; worry about failing to acknowledge them.

He who keeps danger in mind, is he who will rest safe in his seat; he who keeps ruin in mind, is he who will preserve his interests secure.

Signs and symbols rule the world, not words nor laws.