Through life and death, true friendship is revealed. Through poverty and wealth, the nature of companionship is known. Through high and low status, the strength of relationships becomes apparent.
One who loves learning and reflects deeply understands its essence.
A noble person is awkward with those they do not know but trusts those they understand.
A noble person uses others like tools, selecting each for their strengths.
Everyone must face death; for some it is as weighty as Mount Tai, for others as light as a feather.
Being truly wealthy is best, moderate wealth comes next, and ill-gotten riches rank lowest.
Those who gain capable people prosper; those who lose them collapse.
Do not judge someone without understanding their friends.
There is no sorrow greater than a broken heart, no shame greater than being humiliated first, and no disgrace greater than castration.
Trust may be met with doubt, loyalty may be met with slander.
Excessive drinking leads to chaos, extreme pleasure brings sorrow.
Flattering words please the eyes, honest words convey truth, harsh words are medicine, sweet words can wound.
Bravery or cowardice comes from circumstance, strength or weakness comes from form; once examined, there is no reason for surprise.
If farmers do not work, food is lacking; if craftsmen do not work, tasks remain undone; if merchants do not trade, vital goods vanish; if officials do not act, resources are scarce. These four are the source of people's sustenance.
Listening to others carefully is wisdom, introspection is clarity, and mastering oneself is strength.
The higher the moral path, the greater the security; the higher the power, the greater the danger.
Mount Tai does not refuse soil, thus it becomes grand; rivers and seas do not reject small streams, thus they become deep.
Laws are tools for governance, not the source of purity or corruption.
Self-cultivation is the foundation of wisdom, generosity is the beginning of benevolence, fairness is the sign of righteousness, and honor is the measure of courage.
In the utmost governance, neighboring countries can see each other. The sounds of chickens and dogs are audible; people enjoy their food, appreciate their clothing, live in peace with customs, and take pleasure in their work.
Fish live and die in water; plants grow and die in soil; humans live and die by the Way.
A thief of a hook is punished, a thief of a nation may be spared. At the door of the mighty, benevolence and righteousness remain.
Always consider sacrificing oneself to respond to the urgent needs of the nation.
Things reach their peak and then decline, times reach extremes and then change; every substance and word undergoes cycles of beginning and end.
When Xiang Zhuang danced with a sword, his intention was aimed at Lord Pei.
