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

Misery is evil; quarreling, a misfortune. There is only one possibility of avoiding both: a clear division of society. [Otherwise] the strong tyrannize the weak, the intelligent frighten the stupid, the inferior resist the superior, and the young mock the old.

There are successful scholars, public-spirited scholars, upright scholars, cautious scholars, and those who are merely petty men.

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

Therefore, a person should first be changed by a teacher's instructions, and guided by principles of ritual. Only then can he observe the rules of courtesy and humility, obey the conventions and rules of society, and achieve order.

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

Quarreling over food and drink, having neither scruples nor shame, not knowing right from wrong, not trying to avoid death or injury, not fearful of greater strength or of greater numbers, greedily aware only of food and drink - such is the bravery of the dog and boar.