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

I transmit but do not create. I place my trust in the teachings of antiquity.

How great is the path proper to the Sage! Like overflowing water, it sends forth and nourishes all things, and rises up to the height of heaven. All-complete is its greatness! It embraces the three hundred rules of ceremony, and the three thousand rules of demeanor. It waits for the proper man, and then it is trodden. Hence it is said, 'Only by perfect virtue can the perfect path, in all its courses, be made a fact.'

In speaking, it is best to be clear and say just enough to convey the meaning.

I am not bothered by the fact that I am not understood. I am bothered when I do not know others.

Guide them by edicts, keep them in line with punishments, and the common people will stay out of trouble but will have no sense of shame. Guide them by virtue, keep them in line with the rites, and they will, besides having a sense of shame, reform themselves.

The superior man, when resting in safety, does not forget that danger may come.