In archery we have something like the way of the superior man. When the archer misses the center of the target, he turns round and seeks for the cause of his failure in himself.

If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.

Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes.

In old days men studied for the sake of self-improvement; nowadays men study in order to impress other people.

To see and listen to the wicked is already the beginning of wickedness.

I do not want a friend who smiles when I smile, who weeps when I weep; for my shadow in the pool can do better than that.

I have not seen a person who loved virtue, or one who hated what was not virtuous. He who loved virtue would esteem nothing above it.