First there must be order and harmony within your own mind. Then this order will spread to your family, then to the community, and finally to your entire kingdom. Only then can you have peace and harmony.

Do not wish for quick results, nor look for small advantages. If you seek quick results, you will not reach the ultimate goal. If you are led astray by small advantages, you will never accomplish great things.

Do not use a cannon to kill a mosquito.

Who heeds not the future will find sorrow at hand

If you don't know how to serve men, why worry about serving the gods?

A superior man may be made to go to the well, but he cannot be made to go down into it. He may be imposed upon, but he cannot be fooled.

The people may be made to follow a path of action but they may not be made to understand it.