The Master said, “A true gentleman is one who has set his heart upon the Way. A fellow who is ashamed merely of shabby clothing or modest meals is not even worth conversing with.” (Analects 4.9)

If you would govern a state of a thousand chariots (a small-to-middle-size state), you must pay strict attention to business, be true to your word, be economical in expenditure and love the people.

An oppressive government is more to be feared than a tiger.

True goodness springs from a man's own heart. All men are born good.

There are three things which the superior man guards against. In youth ... lust. When he is strong ... quarrelsomeness. When he is old ... covetousness.

The father who does not teach his son his duties is equally guilty with the son who neglects them.

Death and life have their determined appointments; riches and honors depend upon heaven.