I used to take on trust a man's deeds after having listened to his words. Now having listened to a man's words I go on to observe his deeds.

You will never know how sharp a sword is unless it's drawn from its sheath

Things being investigated, knowledge became complete. Their knowledge being complete, their thoughts were sincere. Their thoughts being sincere, their hearts were then rectified. Their hearts being rectified, their persons were cultivated. Their persons being cultivated, their families were regulated. Their families being regulated, their States were rightly governed. Their States being rightly governed, the whole kingdom was made tranquil and happy.

Don't worry if people don't recognize your merits; worry that you may not recognize theirs.

At seventy, I could follow the dictates of my own heart; for what I desired no longer overstepped the boundaries of right.

There is one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one's life -reciprocity.

I have never seen one who really loves goodness or one who really hates wickedness. One who really loves goodness will not place anything above it. One who really hates wickedness will practice goodness in such a way that wickedness will have no chance to get at him. Is there anyone who has devoted his whole strength to doing good for even as long as a single day? I have not seen anyone give up such an attempt because he had not the strength to go on. Perhaps there is such a case, but I have never seen it.