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

The superior man * * * in regard to his speech * * * is anxious that it should be sincere.

It is only the very wisest and the very stupidest who never change.

The gentleman is calm and at ease. The gentleman is dignified but not proud; the small man is proud but not dignified.

The wise find pleasure in water; the virtuous find pleasure in hills. The wise are active; the virtuous are tranquil. The wise are joyful; the virtuous are long-lived.

All things are nourished together without their injuring one another. The courses of the seasons, and of the sun and moon, are pursued without any collision among them. The smaller energies are like river currents; the greater energies are seen in mighty transformations. It is this which makes heaven and earth so great.

For benefits return benefits; for injuries return justice without any admixture of revenge.