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.

Is any one able for one day to apply his strength to virtue? I have not seen the case in which his strength would be sufficient.

There are not the weeds the ones that drown the good seed, but the negligence of the peasant.

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

Learn, as if never overtaking your object, and yet as if apprehensive of losing it.

Learn as though you would never be able to master it; hold it as though you would be in fear of losing it.

Let mourning stop when one's grief is fully expressed.