The commander of the forces of a large State may be carried off, but the will of even a common man cannot be taken from him.

But if you do not have the Tao yourself, what business have you spending your time in vain efforts to bring corrupt politicians into the right path?

A blemish may be removed from a diamond by careful polishing, but evil words once spoken cannot be effaced.

Be sincere and true to your word, serious and careful in your actions; and you will get along even among barbarians, But if you are not sincere and untrustworthy in your speech, frivolous and careless in your actions, how will you get along even among your own neighbors? When stand, see these principles in front of you; in your carriage see them on the yoke. Then you may be sure to get along.

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Though Confucius served the Duke of Lu, a Chinese state, he made many enemies with the nobles of the land. His views antagonized the powerful nobles, who wanted the Duke to be a puppet in their hands. Confucius was exiled from the State of Lu for more than two decades. He lived in the countryside, spreading his teachings.

The archer who misses his mark does not blame the target. He stops, corrects himself and shoots again.