If doing what ought to be done be made the first business and success a secondary consideration--is not this the way to exalt virtue?

Just as lavishness leads easily to presumption, so does frugality to meanness. But meanness is a far less serious fault than presumption.

The gentleman calls attention to the good points in others; he does not call attention to their defects. The small man does just the reverse of this.

The whole end of speech is to be understood.

Not knowing life, how can we know death? Why talk of spirits when you do not understand men?

Be sincere and true to your word, serious and careful in your actions; and you will get along even among barbarians, But if you are not sincere and untrustworthy in your speech, frivolous and careless in your actions, how will you get along even among your own neighbors? When stand, see these principles in front of you; in your carriage see them on the yoke. Then you may be sure to get along.

Wisdom is rooted in watching with affection the way people grow.