Without goodness a man cannot endure adversity for long, nor can he enjoy prosperity for long. The good man is naturally at ease with goodness. The wise man cultivates goodness for its advantage.

The gentleman desires to be halting in speech but quick in action.

If a man is respectful he will not be treated with insolence. If he is tolerant he will win the multitude. If he is trustworthy in word his fellow men will entrust him with responsibility. If he is quick he will achieve results.

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

Coarse rice to eat, water to drink, my bended arm for a pillow - therein is happiness. Wealth and rank attained through immoral means are nothing but drifting clouds.

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

The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has.