The journey with a 1000 miles begins with one step.

The path may not be left for an instant. If it could be left, it would not be the path.

Not to converse with a man worthy of conversation is to waste the man. To converse with a man not worthy of conversation is to waste words. The wise waste neither men nor words.

It is the obligation of the ruler to continually renew himself in order to renew the people by his example.

Learn as though you would never be able to master it; hold it as though you would be in fear of losing it.

To study and constantly, is this not a pleasure? To have friends come from far away places, is this not a joy? If people do not recognize your worth, but this does not worry you, are you not a true gentleman?

By the ruler's cultivation of his own character there is set up the example of the course which all should pursue.