Wealth and rank are what men desire, but unless they be obtained in the right way they may not be possessed. Poverty and obscurity are what men detest; but unless prosperity be brought about in the right way, they are not to be abandoned.

By nature, men are nearly alike; by practice, they get to be wide apart.

A man of wisdom delights in water.

Look at the means which a man employs, consider his motives, observe his pleasures. A man simply cannot conceal himself!

Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.

A good man regards the root; he fixes the root, and ail else flows out of it. The root is filial piety; the fruit brotherly love.

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