Of all that Heaven produces and nourishes, there is none so great as man.

Ceremonies are the first thing to be attended to in the practice of government.

From the loving example of one family a whole State may become loving, and from its courtesies, courteous; while from the ambition and perverseness of the one man the whole State may be thrown into rebellious disorder. Such is the nature of influence.

A youth is to be regarded with respect. How do we know that his future will not be equal to our present?

When a country is well governed, poverty and a mean condition are something to be ashamed of. When a country is ill governed, riches and honors are something to be ashamed of.

It cannot be when the root is neglected that what springs from it will be well ordered.

The virtuous will be sure to speak uprightly; but those whose speech is upright may not be virtuous.

Man is born for uprightness. If a man lose his uprightness and yet live, his escape from death is mere good fortune.

The sun and moon shine on all without partiality.

The inner nature of man is the province of music.

There is good government when those who are near are made happy, and when those who are afar are attracted.

The superior man, while his parents are alive, reverently nourishes them; and, when they are dead, reverently sacrifices to them. His thought to the end of his life is how not to disgrace them.

If a man be under the influence of anger his conduct will not be correct.

Sincerity is the way of heaven.

Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with virtue.

Virtue is more to a man than either water or fire. I have seen men die from treading on water and fire, but I have never seen a man die from treading the course of virtue.

Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.

The small man thinks that small acts of goodness are of no benefit, and does not do them; and that small deeds of evil do no harm, and does not refrain from them. Hence, his wickedness becomes so great that it cannot be concealed, and his guilt so great that it cannot be pardoned.

When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them.

Even in killing men, observe the rules of propriety.

When superiors are fond of showing their humanity, inferiors try to outstrip one another in their practice of it.

The scholar does not consider gold and jade to be precious treasures, but loyalty and good faith.

He who keeps danger in mind will rest safely in his seat.

Have no friends not equal to yourself.

It was by music that the ancient kings gave elegant expression to their joy. By their armies and axes they gave the same to their anger.

Although your father and mother are dead, if you propose to yourself any good work, only reflect how it will make their names illustrious, and your purpose will be fixed.

If I hear the way of truth in the morning, I am content even to die in the evening.

The path may not be left for an instant. If it could be left, it would not be the path.

Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.

The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.

The way of Heaven and Earth may be completely declared in one sentence: They are without any doubleness, and so they produce things in a manner that is unfathomable.

Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.

To study and not think is a waste. To think and not study is dangerous.

Heaven begat Virtue in me; what can man do unto me?

Learn, as if never overtaking your object, and yet as if apprehensive of losing it.

The mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.

The superior man does what is proper to the station in which he is; he does not desire to go beyond this. In a position of wealth and honor, he does what is proper to a position of wealth and honor. In a poor and low position, he does what is proper to a poor and low position. Situated among barbarous tribes, he does what is proper to a situation among barbarous tribes. In a position of sorrow and difficulty, he does what is proper to a position of sorrow and difficulty. The superior man can find himself in no situation in which he is not himself.

When you meet someone better than yourself, turn your thoughts to becoming his equal.

Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.