Respect the gods and the devils but keep them at a distance

The more you know yourself, the more you forgive yourself.

If I were travelling with two partners, one virtuous and one dishonest, both would be useful as teachers. I would perceive what's good of the first one and I would imitate him whereas I would try to correct in me the defects I may see in the second one.

Big head, target for enemy; big heart, target for friend.

Don't worry if people don't recognize your merits; worry that you may not recognize theirs.

Think no vice so small that you may commit it, and no virtue so small that you may over look it.

The nobler sort of man emphasizes the good qualities in others, and does not accentuate the bad. The inferior does the reverse. . . . The nobler sort of man pays special attention to nine points. He is anxious to see clearly, to hear distinctly, to be kindly in his looks, respectful in his demeanor, conscientious in his speech, earnest in his affairs. When in doubt, he is careful to inquire; when in anger, he thinks of the consequences; when offered an opportunity for gain, he thinks only of his duty.