Study the past if you would define the future. I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there. Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.

There are three degrees of filial piety. The highest is being a credit to our parents, the second is not disgracing them; the lowest is being able simply to support them.

He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.

If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.

For one word a man is often deemed to be wise, and for one word he is often deemed to be foolish. We should be careful indeed what we say.

The gentleman calls attention to the good points in others; he does not call attention to their defects. The small man does just the reverse of this.

The most beautiful sight in the world is a little child going confidently down the road of life after you have shown him the way.