Ceremonies are the first thing to be attended to in the practice of government.

To study and constantly, is this not a pleasure? To have friends come from far away places, is this not a joy? If people do not recognize your worth, but this does not worry you, are you not a true gentleman?

A man living without conflicts, as if he never lives at all.

The virtuous man is driven by responsibility, the non-virtuous man is driven by profit.

The superior man * * * in regard to his speech * * * is anxious that it should be sincere.

To give oneself ernestly to securing righteousness and justice among the people, and while respecting the gods and demons, to keep aloof from them, that may be called wisdom.

Even four harnessed horses cannot bring imprudent words back into the mouth.