The Master said, "Wealth and honor are things that all people desire, and yet unless they are acquired in the proper way I will not abide them. Poverty and disgrace are things that all people hate, and yet unless they are avoided in the proper way I will not despise them. If the gentleman abandons ren, how can he be worthy of that name? The gentleman does not violate ren even for the amount of time required to eat a meal. Even in times of urgency or distress, he does not depart from it."

He who requires much from himself and little from others, will keep himself from being the object of resentment.

There has never been a man mean and at the same time virtuous.

If there were one word that could act as a standard of conduct for one's entire life, perhaps it would be 'thoughtfulness.

The gentleman prefers to be slow in word but diligent in action.

There are three friendships which are advantageous, and three which are injurious. Friendship with the upright; friendship with the sincere; and friendship with the man of much observation: these are advantageous. Friendship with the man of specious airs; friendship with the insinuatingly soft; and friendship with the glib-tongued: these are injurious.

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