The superior man loves his soul; the inferior man loves his property.

It is soft, smooth and shining like intelligence. Its edges seem sharp but do not cut like justice. It hangs down to the ground like humility. When struck, it gives a clear, ringing sound like music. The strains in it are not hidden and add to its beauty like truthfulness.' What imagination! Confucius extolled Jade's virtues this way.

Only after Winter comes do we know that the pine and the cypress are the last to fade.

Guide the people by law, subdue them by punishment; they may shun crime, but will be void of shame. Guide them by example, subdue them by courtesy; they will learn shame, and come to be good.

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

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

A scholar who loves comfort is not worthy of the name.

A man living without conflicts, as if he never lives at all.

Recompense hatred with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.

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.