See a person's means ... Observe his motives. Examine that in which he rests. How can a person conceal his character?

Looking at small advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished.

To take what you know for what you know, and what you do not know for what you do not know, that is knowledge indeed.

The superior person gathers his weapons together in order to provide against the unforeseen.

As the water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it, so a wise man adapts himself to circumstances.

If you reflect within yourself and find nothing to be ashamed of, how could you have anxiety or fear.

If the search for riches were sure to be successful, though I should become a groom with a whip in my hand to get them, I will do so. As the search may not be successful, I will follow after that which I love.