Where it is permissible both to die and not to die, it is an abuse of valour to die.

He who loves others is always loved by them, and he who respects others is always respected by them.

When the men of antiquity realized their wishes, benefits were conferred by them on the people. If they did not realize their wishes, they cultivated their personal character, and became illustrious in the world. If poor, they attended to their own virtue in solitude; if advanced to dignity, they made the whole empire virtuous as well.

Virtue alone is not sufficient for the exercise of government; laws alone cannot carry themselves into practice.

Benevolence is one of the distinguishing characters of man.

Friends are the siblings God never gave us.

When Heaven is about to confer a great office upon you, it first exercises your mind with suffering and your sinews and bones with toil.