If I am virtuous and worthy, for whom should I not maintain a proper concern?

If one should desire to know whether a kingdom is well governed, if its morals are good or bad, the quality of its music will furnish the answer.

The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has.

Waste begets self-will; thrift begets meanness: but better be mean than self-willed.

The gentleman has nine cares. In seeing he is careful to see clearly; in hearing he is careful to hear distinctly; in his looks he is careful to be kind, in his manner to be respectful, in his words to be sincere, in his work to be diligent. When in doubt he is careful to ask for information; when angry he has a care for the consequences; and when he sees a chance for gain, he thinks carefully whether the pursuits of it would be right.

Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.

A superior man in dealing with the world is not for anything or against anything. He follows righteousness as the standard.