Being eager to learn is close to knowledge; putting it into practice is close to benevolence; knowing shame is close to courage.
When serving a ruler, one should respect the duties first and consider the salary afterwards.
A gentleman's service is guided by the principle of righteousness.
To speak with someone who should be spoken to is a loss; to remain silent when one should speak is a loss of words. The wise lose neither friends nor words. ——A famous saying of Confucius
To complete the pattern, it is implied that even if a woman possesses beautiful qualities, she must still be perfected by propriety (li).
Zilu asked about serving a ruler. The Master said: "Do not deceive, but respectfully offer remonstrations."
