If I hear the Way in the morning, I may die at night satisfied.
The Dao of heaven and earth can be expressed in a single phrase: its nature is unwavering, yet its creations are unpredictable. The Dao of heaven and earth is vast, profound, lofty, radiant, far-reaching, and enduring.
If one’s path differs, one does not plot together.
Aim at the Way, stand on Virtue, rely on Benevolence, and roam in the Arts.
Reviewing the old to learn the new, one can become a teacher.
If a person does not think in the distance, he will certainly worry about the near future.
A gentleman helps the distressed, not the wealthy.
To know it is impossible yet still to pursue it.
At fifteen, I set my mind on learning; at thirty, I stood firm; at forty, I was free from doubt; at fifty, I knew the Mandate of Heaven; at sixty, my ears were tuned; at seventy, I followed my heart’s desires without overstepping the bounds.
Do not harbor old grudges.
If this can be endured, what cannot be endured?
Knowing shame is akin to courage.
Do not worry about being few or poor, but about inequality and disorder.
Among three walking together, there is surely one who is my teacher. Choose those with good qualities to follow, and those with bad qualities to correct in oneself.
A people without trust cannot stand.
Do not blame the past.
To know what you know and admit what you do not know—that is wisdom.
When it comes to Benevolence, do not yield even to your master.
A gentleman first seeks within himself, then seeks in others.
Study broadly, inquire thoroughly, think carefully, distinguish clearly, and practice diligently.
Do not boast of goodness, do not display labor.
Life and death are fate, wealth and status are heaven’s will.
A gentleman is serene and confident, while a petty person is always anxious.
A person without trustworthiness does not know what it means to be human.
If you are not in a position, do not plot its policies.