If you would govern a state of a thousand chariots (a small-to-middle-size state), you must pay strict attention to business, be true to your word, be economical in expenditure and love the people.

Ceremonies are the first thing to be attended to in the practice of government.

The superior man governs men, according to their nature, with what is proper to them, and as soon as they change what is wrong, he stops.

Sincerity is the way of heaven.

Does Heaven ever speak? The four seasons come and go, and all creatures thrive and grow. Does Heaven ever speak!

The superior man makes the difficulty to be overcome his first interest; success only comes later.

Let mourning stop when one's grief is fully expressed.