On Self-cultivation
I examine myself three times daily:
Have I done something unfaithful to others? Have I done something insincere
to my friends? Have I reviewed what I learned?
In accordance with present scholars, [filial piety] implies nothing but that one should provide adequately for the support of his parents. However, even dogs and horses can provide for the supports of their parents. If one does not pay reverence to his parents, is there any difference between him and an animal?
I would never regret dying in the evening if only I could learn about Tao in that morning.
A great man has a good knowledge of righteousness whereas a small man has that of profit- making.
Everyone desires wealth and higher rank. Nevertheless, one should not accept them if his aim is not achieved in a rightway. Everyone dislikes poverty and lower rank. Nevertheless, one should not try to get rid of them if his aim is not achieved in a right way.
In olden times, people did not talk much for fear that their deeds could not meet their words.
A gentleman would rather be quick in action than talk a lot.
The wise are delighted by water, the benevolent by mountains; the wise appreciate movement, the benevolent quietude; the wise lead a happy life, the benevolent are long-lived.
I would still feel happy even if I had to eat coarse food, drink nothing but water, and take my arms as a pillow when asleep. Wealth and higher rank, if gained without righteousness, mean no more than a flying cloud to me.
Is benevolence far from us on earth? Only if I wanted it, would it come to my side.
A superior man is broad-minded whereas small-minded man is always resentful.
Only in freezing winter, can we realize that pines and cypresses are cold-resistant.
It is never the case that a man of lofty ideals and benevolence would do things illicit to preserve his life, and there are times when he would sacrifice his life for the completion of benevolence.
It is man who can make Tao great, and not Tao that makes man great.
A real mistake is committed when one refuses to correct his mistakes. -
Cunning speech destroys virtues, and lack of tolerance destroys significant plans.
There are three admonitions for a gentleman: When young and unable to control the sap of youth, the admonition for him is not to indulge in lust; when grown up to the prime of life and at his most robust, his admonition is not to get into fights; when aged and declining in energy, his admonition is not to be too greedy.
At the sight of something good, one should immediately learn it as if he would otherwise miss the chance forever. At the sight of something bad, one should immediately draw back as if he had put his hands into boiling water.
One who is fond of hearsay gives up his virtues.
Like the eclipses of the sun and the moon, the mistakes of a superior man are in clear sight of the multitude. When he corrects them, however, the people will hold him in higher reverence.
A superior man is generous but not wasteful; he is diligent without complaint; he has desires but is not greedy; he is great but not arrogant thereby; he is awesome but not fierce.