If the people are governed by laws and punishment is used to maintain order, they will try to avoid the punishment but have no sense of shame. If they are governed by virtue and rules of propriety are used to maintain order, they will have a sense of shame and will become good as well.

If an urn lacks the characteristics of an urn, how can we call it an urn?

Those who are firm, enduring, simple and unpretentious are the nearest to virtue.

Woman is the masterpiece.

A man of wisdom delights in water.

Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.

I used to listen to what others said, and expect them to act accordingly. But nowadays, I listen to what they say, and then observe what they do.