What is God-given is called nature; to follow nature is called Tao (the Way); to cultivate the way is called culture. Before joy, anger, sadness and happiness are expressed, they are called the inner self; when they are expressed to the proper degree, they are called harmony. The inner self is the correct foundation of the world, and the harmony is the illustrious Way. When a man has achieved the inner self and harmony, the heaven and earth are orderly and the myriad of things are nourished and grow thereby.

While you are not able to serve men, how can you serve spirits of the dead...While you do not know life, how can you know about death

Do unto others as you wish others do unto you.

Acquire new knowledge whilst thinking over the old, and you may become a teacher of others.

To lead uninstructed people to war is to throw them away.

Sincerity is the way of heaven.

When frying small fish, disturb them little.