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?

There are three sorts of pleasures which are advantageous, and three which are injurious. Finding pleasure in the discriminating study of ceremonies and music, finding pleasure in discussing the good points in the conduct of others, and finding pleasure in having many wise friends, these are advantageous. But finding pleasure in profligate enjoyments, finding pleasure in idle gadding about, and finding pleasure in feasting, these are injurious.

If a man has no humaneness what can his propriety be like? If a man has no humaneness what can his happiness be like?

Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.

Go before the people with your example, and be laborious in their affairs.

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

All things are already complete in oneself.