The higher type of man clings to virtue, the lower type of man clings to material comfort. The higher type of man cherishes justice, the lower type of man cherishes the hope of favors to be received.

A blemish may be removed from a diamond by careful polishing, but evil words once spoken cannot be effaced.

To be truly happy and contented, you must let go of what it means to be happy or content.

The superior man does what is proper to the station in which he is; he does not desire to go beyond this. In a position of wealth and honor, he does what is proper to a position of wealth and honor. In a poor and low position, he does what is proper to a poor and low position.

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

He who rules by moral force is like the pole star, which remains in place while all the lesser stars do homage to it.

To think twice is quite enough.