The cautious seldom err.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Better be despised for too anxious apprehensions, than ruined by too confident security.

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

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.