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."

A gentleman can withstand hardships; it is only the small man who, when submitted to them, is swept off his feet.

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

What is necessary is to rectify names.

He who is harmony with Nature hits the mark without effort and apprehends the truth without thinking.

Men do not stumble over mountains, but over mole hills.

Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator.