When a man sees something desirable, he must reflect on the fact that with time it could come to involve what is detestable. When he sees something that is beneficial, he should reflect that sooner or later it, too, could come to involve harm.

One must remember equality, yet also be aware of difference, for if the people are allowed to act as it pleases them without coming up against displeasure, if one gives rein to its desires without setting [any] limit, it becomes confused and can no longer take delight in anything.

Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.

Now it is human nature to want to eat to ones fill when hungry, to want to warm up when cold, to want to rest when tired. These all are a part of people's emotional nature.

The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.

I once tried standing up on my toes to see far out in the distance, but I found that I could see much farther by climbing to a high place.

If knowledge and foresight are too penetrating and deep, unify them with ease and sincerity.