Calculating people are contemptable. The reason for this is that calculation deals with loss and gain, and the loss and gain mind never stops. Death is considered loss and life is considered gain. Thus, death is something that such a person does not care for, and he is contemptable. Furthermore, scholars and their like are men who with wit and speech hide their own true cowardice and greed. People often misjudge this.

It is better not to become acquainted with men about whom you have formerly had doubts. No matter what you do, they will be people by whom you will be tripped up or taken in.

There are few people who will make mistakes with fire after having once been burned.

Purity is something that cannot be attained except by piling effort upon effort.

Everyone lets the present moment slip by, then looks for it as though he thought it were somewhere else.

It is difficult for a fool's habits to change to selflessness.

As long as people overlook matters, then inferiors can, without any fear, lead an easy and peaceful life.