When superiors are fond of showing their humanity, inferiors try to outstrip one another in their practice of it.

The superior man is quiet and calm, waiting for the appointments of heaven, while the mean man walks in dangerous paths, looking for lucky occurrences.

In a State, pecuniary gain is not to be considered to be prosperity, but its prosperity will be found in righteousness.

Return good for good; return evil with justice.

Heaven, in the production of things, is sure to be bountiful to them, according to their qualities. Hence the tree that is flourishing, it nourishes, while that which is ready to fall, it overthrows.

Music is the one thing in which there is no use trying to deceive others or make false pretenses.

The Master said, “If your conduct is determined solely by considerations of profit you will arouse great resentment.