The superior man, when resting in safety, does not forget that danger may come. When in a state of security he does not forget the possibility of ruin. When all is orderly, he does not forget that disorder may come. Thus his person is not endangered, and his States and all their clans are preserved.

To study and constantly, is this not a pleasure? To have friends come from far away places, is this not a joy? If people do not recognize your worth, but this does not worry you, are you not a true gentleman?

Unify your attention. Do not listen with your ears, but with your mind. Do not listen with your mind but with your essence.

A superior man may be made to go to the well, but he cannot be made to go down into it. He may be imposed upon, but he cannot be fooled.

You will never know how sharp a sword is unless it's drawn from its sheath

Virtue is not solitary; it is bound to have neighbors

A gentleman is calm and spacious: the vulgar are always fretting.