The noble person uses things; the lesser man is used by things.

Thus, that one can find no place to walk through the breadth of the earth is not because the earth is not tranquil but because the danger to every step of the traveler lies generally with words.

When you concentrate on agriculture and industry and are frugal in expenditures, Heaven cannot impoverish your state.

If you wish to see the thousand years, look at today; if you wish to understand the millionfold, then look at the one or the two.

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.

Pride and excess bring disaster for man.

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.