A country of a thousand war-chariots cannot be administered unless the ruler attends strictly to business, punctually observes his promises, is economical in expenditure, loves the people, and uses the labor of the peasantry only at the proper times of year.

When strict with oneself, one rarely fails.

To be excellent when engaged in administration is to be like the North Star. As it remains in its one position, all the other stars surround it.

By gaining the people, the kingdom is gained; by losing the people, the kingdom is lost.

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.

If Language is not correct, then what is said is not what is meant. If what is said is not what is meant, then what ought to be done, remains undone.

Learn as if you were not reaching your goal and as though you were scared of missing it