When strict with oneself, one rarely fails.

Study as though you cannot catch up to it, and as though you fear you are going to lose it.

The young should be dutiful at home, modest abroad, careful and true, overflowing in kindness for all, but in brotherhood with love. And if they have strength to spare they should spend it on the arts.

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.

The archer who misses his mark does not blame the target. He stops, corrects himself and shoots again.

When young, beware of fighting; when strong, beware of sex; and when old, beware of possession.

The superior man is satisfied and composed; the mean man is always full of distress.