Not knowing life, how can we know death? Why talk of spirits when you do not understand men?
Don't make to others what you don't want them to make to you.
When a nation or family is about to flourish, there are sure to be happy omens; and when it is about to perish, there are sure to be unlucky omens.
The man who is master of himself drinks gravely and wisely.
Don't curse the darkness, light a candle.
At 15 I set my heart on learning; At 30 I firmly took my stand; At 40 I had no delusions; At 50 I knew the Mandate of Heaven; At 60 my ear was attuned; At 70 I followed my heart's desire without overstepping the boundaries of right.