Look not at what is contrary to propriety; listen not to what is contrary to propriety; speak not what is contrary to propriety; make no movement which is contrary to propriety.

At fifteen my mind was directed to study, and at thirty I knew where to stand.

When we have intelligence resulting from sincerity, this condition is to be ascribed to nature; when we have sincerity resulting from intelligence, this condition is to be ascribed to instruction. But given the sincerity, and there shall be the intelligence; given the intelligence, and there shall be the sincerity.

I could see peace instead of this.

The way of Heaven and Earth may be completely declared in one sentence: They are without any doubleness, and so they produce things in a manner that is unfathomable.

In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.

A fool marvels at rare things, but a wise man at common ones.