Things have their roots and branches. Affairs have their beginnings and their ends. To know what is first and what is last will lead one near the Way.

If you devote your life to seeking revenge, first dig two graves.

He who learns but does not think, is lost. He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.

To give oneself ernestly to securing righteousness and justice among the people, and while respecting the gods and demons, to keep aloof from them, that may be called wisdom.

To know everything is to know nothing, but to know nothing is to know everything.

The gentleman calls attention to the good points in others; he does not call attention to their defects. The small man does just the reverse of this.

Let a ruler base his government upon virtuous principles, and he will be like the pole-star, which remains steadfast in its place, while all the host of stars turn towards it