Gentlemen cherish worth; the vulgar cherish dirt. Gentlemen trust in justice; the vulgar trust in favor.

When frying small fish, disturb them little.

A country of a thousand war-chariots cannot be administered unless the ruler attends strictly to business, punctually observes his promises, is economical in expenditure, loves the people, and uses the labor of the peasantry only at the proper times of year.

The man of wisdom is never of two minds; the man of benevolence never worries; the man of courage is never afraid.

A wise man seeks by music to strengthen his soul: the thoughtless one uses it to stifle his fears.

The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.

Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.