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

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.

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

Men of all social stations live together: they are equal in their desires, yet vary in their methods; they are equal in their passions, yet different in their intelligence; that is their nature-given vitality.

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

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.

The coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one's inner power.