A gentleman would be ashamed should his deeds not match his words.
In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.
Speak the truth, do not yield to anger; give, if thou art asked for little; by these three steps thou wilt go near the gods.
The book salesman should be honored because he brings to our attention, as a rule, the very books we need most and neglect most.
To rule a country of a thousand chariots, there must be reverent attention to business, and sincerity; economy in expenditure, and love for men; and the employment of the people at the proper seasons.
Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.
To see and listen to the wicked is already the beginning of wickedness.
Silence is a true friend who never betrays.
Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.
Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself.
To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short.
There are three methods to gaining wisdom. The first is reflection, which is the highest. The second is limitation, which is the easiest. The third is experience, which is the bitterest.
By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.
Virtuous people often revenge themselves for the constraints to which they submit by the boredom which they inspire.
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.
I hear, I know. I see, I remember. I do, I understand.
How to play music may be known. At the commencement of the piece, all the parts should sound together. As it proceeds, they should be in harmony while severally distinct and flowing without break, and thus on to the conclusion.
The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.
Ability will never catch up with the demand for it.
The cautious seldom err.