The superior man does what is proper to the station in which he is; he does not desire to go beyond this.

A man should demand much from himself, but little from others. When you meet a man of worth, think how you may attain to his excellence. When you meet an unworthy one, then look within and examine yourself.

One who is by nature daring and is suffering from poverty will not long be law-abiding. Indeed, any men, save those that are truly good, if their sufferings are very great, will be likely to rebel.

Though Confucius served the Duke of Lu, a Chinese state, he made many enemies with the nobles of the land. His views antagonized the powerful nobles, who wanted the Duke to be a puppet in their hands. Confucius was exiled from the State of Lu for more than two decades. He lived in the countryside, spreading his teachings.

All the darkness in the world can't put out the light of one candle.

He who is harmony with Nature hits the mark without effort and apprehends the truth without thinking.

By the ruler's cultivation of his own character there is set up the example of the course which all should pursue.