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.

He who wishes to be benevolent will not be rich.

People are eager to comment on something when they themselves are not in the situation of doing it.

Truth uttered before its time is dangerous.

A real man is he whose goodness is a part of himself.

To lay hold of the mean without taking into account the occasion is like grasping one thing only.

The Tao is near and people seek it far away.