Who heeds not the future will find sorrow at hand

I do not enlighten those who are not eager to learn, nor arouse those who are not anxious to give an explanation themselves. If I have presented one corner of the square and they cannot come back to me with the other three, I should not go over the points again.

The superior person tries to promote music as a means to the perfection of human culture. When such music prevails, and people's minds are led towards the right ideals and aspirations, we may see the appearance of a great nation.

Exemplary persons are steadfast in the face of adversity, while petty persons are engulfed by it.

Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself.

Humankind differs from the animals only by a little and most people throw that away.

The superior man is quiet and calm, waiting for the appointments of heaven, while the mean man walks in dangerous paths, looking for lucky occurrences.