Yan Pingzhong was good at interacting with others, and even after a long period of association, others continued to respect him.
Those who lack the strength often fail halfway. Now you have just begun, yet you try to set limits for yourself.
Alas! I have never seen anyone who, upon realizing their mistakes, would conduct a self-indictment within their hearts.
Begging from the four neighbors to meet the demands of the petitioner, using tactful and roundabout intentions, is not the action of a straightforward person.
One cannot be in a group with birds and beasts. If I am not of the human race, then with whom else could I associate? If the world were governed by the Way, I would not seek to change it.
How virtuous was Hui! With a single bamboo basket of food and a gourd of water, living in a shabby alley, others could not endure the misery, yet Hui did not change his joy. How virtuous was Hui!
I am not someone who was born with knowledge. I love the past and strive diligently to seek knowledge.
There are three things a gentleman must guard against: In youth, when blood and qi are not yet stable, guard against lust; in middle age, when blood and qi are vigorous, guard against strife; in old age, when blood and qi decline, guard against greed.
The Master was skilled at guiding me step by step. He enriched me with culture and restrained me with rituals, so that I could not stop even if I wanted to.
Orchids and cinnamon trees grow in secluded forests, not withholding their fragrance just because there is no one to appreciate them. A gentleman cultivates his Way and establishes his virtue, not changing his integrity just because of poverty.
Do not boast of your merits; do not impose excessive labor.
The Master smiled slightly.
One is inspired by Poetry, established by Ritual, and perfected by Music.
“Shi” means to go. It says that a gentleman may send someone to inspect, but he does not personally throw himself into it.
There are three beneficial friendships and three harmful friendships. Friendships with the upright, the sincere, and the well-informed are beneficial. Friendships with the flatterers, the hypocritical, and the cunning are harmful.
Qi Sun’s worries are not in Zhuanyu, but within his own walls.
As disciples, they practice filial piety at home and fraternal respect outside; they are cautious and trustworthy, show broad love to the multitude and approach virtue. If they have energy to spare, they use it to study literature.
Without studying Poetry, one cannot speak properly.
I did not expect the joy of music to reach this extent.
