People are destined to die, but their death may weigh as heavily as Mount Tai or as lightly as a feather.
The wealthy give wealth when they part from others, while the benevolent give words of wisdom.
In learning, breadth is valuable; in pursuing truth, essence is essential.
Sparrows cannot understand the ambition of a swan.
A wise person foresees what has not yet emerged, and a prudent person avoids danger before it takes shape.
Kindness must be balanced with authority, generosity with trust, and self-cultivation leads to the submission of the world.
To understand a person, observe their friends.
Honest advice is unpleasant to the ear but beneficial to action; good medicine tastes bitter but cures illness.
Mount Tai never rejects small soil, hence it becomes great; rivers and seas never refuse small streams, hence they become deep.
Among a thousand who agree, one outspoken critic is more valuable.
When the birds are gone, the bow is put away; when the rabbits are dead, the hunting dogs are cooked.
One who does not fly will not fly; but once he flies, he soars into the sky; once he sings, he shocks the world.
One should always be ready to sacrifice oneself for the urgent needs of the nation.
With determination, success will come; after burning one’s boats, the Qin passes are finally taken by Chu; heaven does not fail the diligent, and with perseverance even the land of Wu can be conquered.
When things reach their peak, they decline; when cycles reach their limit, they turn. Change is the eternal law of beginning and end.
Self-cultivation is the source of wisdom; generosity is the root of benevolence; fairness in giving and taking is the sign of righteousness; shame is the basis of courage.
The sword dance of Xiang Zhuang is intended for Liu Bang.
Rumors can melt metal; constant slander can destroy bone.
Those who rely on virtue prosper; those who rely on force perish.
Those who form alliances based on interest drift apart when interest ends.
Without agriculture there is no food, without craftsmanship no tools, without commerce the three treasures disappear, without forestry and mining resources dwindle. These four are the source of people’s livelihood. Abundance leads to prosperity, scarcity to poverty; through them nations and families alike are enriched or impoverished.
Flowery words are not as valuable as sincere words; harsh words are like medicine, sweet words are like disease.
Strength and weakness are forms, courage and cowardice are circumstances; once understood, there is nothing to be surprised about.
In the highest form of governance, neighboring states can hear each other’s chickens and dogs, and each people is content with their food, clothing, customs, and livelihood.
One should not hold office without capability, nor accept salary without merit.
A gentleman is often misunderstood by those who do not know him, but trusted by those who truly know him.
