Don't worry if people don't recognize your merits; worry that you may not recognize theirs.

I have never seen a man as fond of virtue as of women.

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.

The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.

Only one who bursts with enthusiasm do I instruct; Only one who bubbles with excitement do I enlighten. If I hold up one corner and you do not come back to me with the other three, I do not continue the lesson.

The gentleman sees what is right while the small man sees what is profitable.

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.