What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.

It is only the very wisest and the very stupidest who never change.

Study without reflection is a waste of time; reflection without study is dangerous.

Study as if you have not reached your goal - hold it as if you were afraid of losing what you have.

Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.

Without an acquaintance with the rules of propriety, it is impossible for the character to be established

Though Confucius served the Duke of Lu, a Chinese state, he made many enemies with the nobles of the land. His views antagonized the powerful nobles, who wanted the Duke to be a puppet in their hands. Confucius was exiled from the State of Lu for more than two decades. He lived in the countryside, spreading his teachings.