Be aroused by poetry; structure yourself with propriety, refine yourself with music.

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

Look closely into his aims, observe the means by which he pursues them, discover what brings him content - and can the man's real worth remain hidden from you?

If I am virtuous and worthy, for whom should I not maintain a proper concern?

To know, is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge. When you say something, say what you know. When you don't know something, say you don't know. That is knowledge.

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.

What is God-given is called nature; to follow nature is called Tao (the Way); to cultivate the way is called culture. Before joy, anger, sadness and happiness are expressed, they are called the inner self; when they are expressed to the proper degree, they are called harmony. The inner self is the correct foundation of the world, and the harmony is the illustrious Way. When a man has achieved the inner self and harmony, the heaven and earth are orderly and the myriad of things are nourished and grow thereby.