The superior man sets his person at rest before he moves; he composes his mind before he speaks.

The noble-minded are calm and steady. Little people are forever fussing and fretting.

First and foremost, be faithful to your superiors, keep all promises, refuse the friendship of all who are not like you; and if you have made a mistake, do not be afraid of admitting the fact and amending your ways.

We should not be too familiar with the lower orders or with women.

The tongue must be heavy indeed, because so few people can hold it

In ancient times, those who wished to illuminate the world with virtue first brought order to their nations. Wishing to order well their nations, they first harmonized their families. Wishing to harmonize their families, they first cultivated themselves. Wishing to cultivate themselves, they first rectified their minds. Those who wished to rectify their minds first made their intentions sincere.

To err and not reform, this may indeed be called error.