Clever talk can confound the workings of virtue, just as small impatiences can confound great projects.

In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.

Know what you know and know that you don't know what you don't know — that is the characteristic of one who knows.

A man without a mustache is a man without a soul.

Do not treat others as you yourself would not be treated.

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.

Things have their roots and branches. Affairs have their beginnings and their ends. To know what is first and what is last will lead one near the Way.