When the wind blows,the grass bends.

The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.

To the average man, and those above average, it is possible to discourse on higher subjects; to those from the average downwards, it is not possible.

As I came not into life with any knowledge of it, and as my likings are for what is old, I busy myself in seeking knowledge there.

When I walk along with two others, from at least one I will be able to learn.

Respect yourself and others will respect you.

When one cultivates to the utmost the principles of his nature, and exercises them on the principle of reciprocity, he is not far from the path. What you do not like when done to yourself, do not do to others.

In all things success depends on previous preparation, and without such previous preparation there is sure to be failure.

Not to discuss with a man worthy of conversation is to waste the man. To discuss with a man not worthy of conversation is to waste words. The wise waste neither men nor words.

It is the way of the superior man to prefer the concealment of his virtue, while it daily becomes more illustrious, and it is the way of the mean man to seek notoriety, while he daily goes more and more to ruin.

I am not bothered by the fact that I am not understood. I am bothered when I do not know others.

There is nobody but eats and drinks. But they are few who can distinguish flavors.

If you see what is right and fail to act on it, you lack courage.

They who know the truth are not equal to those who love it, and they who love it are not equal to those who delight in it.

Heaven, in the production of things, is sure to be bountiful to them according to their qualities. Hence the tree that is flourishing, it nourishes, while that which is ready to fall, it overthrows.

The cautious seldom err.

Rarely do we meet with the right feeling due from one man to another where there is fine speech and studied mien.

It is moral cowardice to leave undone what one perceives to be right to do.

If the great man be not grave, he will not be revered.

The great man is many-minded, and not one-sided. The common man is the reverse.

Be versed in ancient lore, and familiarize yourself with the modern; then may you become teachers.

Let a ruler base his government upon virtuous principles, and he will be like the pole-star, which remains steadfast in its place, while all the host of stars turn towards it.

Sincerity is the way of Heaven.

True wisdom is knowing what you don't know.

Care not for being unknown, but seek to be worthy of note.

In archery we have something like the way of the superior man. When the archer misses the center of the target, he turns round and seeks for the cause of his failure in himself.

The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his actions.

The way which the superior man pursues, reaches wide and far, and yet is secret. Common men and women, however ignorant, may intermeddle with the knowledge of it; yet in its utmost reaches, there is that which even the sage does not know.

He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place when all the stars are rotating about it.

The superior man, when resting in safety, does not forget that danger may come. When in a state of security he does not forget the possibility of ruin. When all is orderly, he does not forget that disorder may come. Thus his person is not endangered, and his States and all their clans are preserved.

Riches and honor are what men desire; but if they arrive at them by improper ways, they should not continue to hold them. Poverty and low estate are what men dislike; but if they arrive at such a condition by improper ways, they should not refuse it.

Coloring requires a pure and clear background.

Men of loftier mind manifest themselves in their equitable dealings; small-minded men in their going after gain.

The life of a man is--his rectitude. Life without it--such may you have the good fortune to avoid!

It is social good feeling that gives charm to a neighborhood. And where is the wisdom of those who choose an abode where it does not abide?

What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.

All things are nourished together without their injuring one another. The courses of the seasons, and of the sun and moon, are pursued without any collision among them. The smaller energies are like river currents; the greater energies are seen in mighty transformations. It is this which makes heaven and earth so great.

If names be not correct, language is not in accordance with the truth of things.