A father's and a mother's age must be borne in mind; with joy on the one hand, fear on the other.

If names are not correct, then language is not in accord with the truth of things. If language is not in accord with the truth of things, then affairs cannot be carried out successfully.

The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has.

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.

The superior man sets his person at rest before he moves; he composes his mind before he speaks.

She who is born with beauty is born with a sorrow for many a man.

Respect the gods and the devils but keep them at a distance