Learn as though you would never be able to master it; hold it as though you would be in fear of losing it.

It cannot be when the root is neglected that what springs from it will be well ordered.

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

Exemplary persons are steadfast in the face of adversity, while petty persons are engulfed by it.

The superior man does what is proper to the station in which he is; he does not desire to go beyond this. In a position of wealth and honor, he does what is proper to a position of wealth and honor. In a poor and low position, he does what is proper to a poor and low position.

Our headstrong passions shut the door of our souls against God.

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.