The truth of the scholar, alone in his study, does not always accord with what the world at large considers to be true.

Every act is an expression of one's self.

...you're going to find people from all over the country, everyone hungry for money and position. You won't make a name for yourself just doing what the next man does. You'll have to distinguish yourself in some way.

Think what you like. There are people who die by remaining alive and others who gain life by dying.

Great character is forged through hardships.

The bitter winds in February were sometimes called the First East Winds, but the longing for spring somehow made them seem more piercing.

it is easy to surpass a predecessor, but difficult to avoid being surpassed by a successor.