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

To see and listen to the wicked is already the beginning of wickedness.

To see the right and not to do it is cowardice.

You cannot open a book without learning something.

Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?

Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.

A gentleman would be ashamed should his deeds not match his words.

The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has.

The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.

If we don’t know life, how can we know death?

Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.

If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.

We should feel sorrow, but not sink under its oppression.

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

To those whose talents are above mediocrity, the highest subjects may be announced. To those who are below mediocrity, the highest subjects may not be announced.

Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.

It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.

Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.

When anger rises, think of the consequences.

Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator.