In a hamlet of ten households, there are bound to be those who are my equal in doing their best for others and in being trustworthy in what they say, but they are unlikely to be as eager to learn as I am.

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

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

A gentleman wishes to be slow to speak and quick to act.

If you would one day renovate yourself, do so from day to day.

To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order; we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right.

First there must be order and harmony within your own mind. Then this order will spread to your family, then to the community, and finally to your entire kingdom. Only then can you have peace and harmony.