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

If a man withdraws his mind from the love of beauty, and applies it as sincerely to the love of the virtuous; if, in serving his parents, he can exert his utmost strength; if, in serving his prince, he can devote his life; if in his intercourse with his friends, his words are sincere - although men say that he has not learned, I will certainly say that he has.

Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.

Have no friends not equal to yourself.

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

He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.

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

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

When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it - this is knowledge.

Things that are done, it is needless to speak about...things that are past, it is needless to blame.

I have not seen a person who loved virtue, or one who hated what was not virtuous. He who loved virtue would esteem nothing above it.

The superior man...does not set his mind either for anything, or against anything; what is right he will follow.

When we see men of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.

The cautious seldom err.

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

The man of virtue makes the difficulty to be overcome his first business, and success only a subsequent consideration.

With coarse rice to eat, with water to drink, and my bended arm for a pillow - I have still joy in the midst of these things. Riches and honors acquired by unrighteousness are to me as a floating cloud.

I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there.

Is virtue a thing remote? I wish to be virtuous, and lo! Virtue is at hand.

The superior man is satisfied and composed; the mean man is always full of distress.