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.

Sacrifices are concerned with the feelings of devotion and longing.

I once tried thinking for an entire day, but I found it less valuable than one moment of study.

Whether the gentleman is capable or not, he is loved all the same; conversely the petty man is loathed all the same.

If the gentleman has ability, he is magnanimous, generous, tolerant, and straightforward, through which he opens the way to instruct others.

If the impulse to daring and bravery is too fierce and violent, stay it with guidance and instruction.

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