Earnest in practicing the ordinary virtues, and careful in speaking about them, if, in his practice, he has anything defective, the superior man dares not but exert himself; and if, in his words, he has any excess, he dares not allow himself such license.

The superior man is anxious lest he should not get the truth; he is not anxious lest poverty should come upon him.

When a nation or family is about to flourish, there are sure to be happy omens; and when it is about to perish, there are sure to be unlucky omens.

Have no friends not equal to yourself.

Reviewing what you have learned and learning anew, you are fit to be a teacher.

Never hesitate to ask a lesser person.

Never seek illicit wealth.