When you see a good man, think of emulating him; when you see a bad man, examine your own heart.

Things have their roots and branches. Affairs have their beginnings and their ends. To know what is first and what is last will lead one near the Way.

The superior person gathers his weapons together in order to provide against the unforeseen.

The higher type of man clings to virtue, the lower type of man clings to material comfort. The higher type of man cherishes justice, the lower type of man cherishes the hope of favors to be received.

If I do not participate in the sacrifice, it is as if I did not sacrifice at all.

Clever talk can confound the workings of virtue, just as small impatiences can confound great projects.

Respect the gods, but have as little to do with them as possible.