Xunzi

If you make people work without rest, they will become exhausted and resentful.

If you do not climb high mountains, you will not know how high the sky is; if you do not descend into deep valleys, you will not know how thick the earth is.

When the ruler delights in something, the people will do it to excess.

The gentleman uses his wealth to spread virtue; the petty man uses his wealth to spread his body.

If speech is constantly sweet, then actions will constantly be bitter.

The gentleman does not promote a man because of his words, nor does he reject words because of the man.

If a man is in error, do not wait for him to come to you; go to him and correct him.

The way to become a gentleman is like refining gold - the more you forge it, the purer it becomes.

Music is joy. The gentleman takes joy in carrying out the Way; the petty man takes joy in carrying out his desires.

Fish forget they are in water; people forget they are in ritual.

The gentleman is ashamed to have his words exceed his actions.

If you do not know a man, look at his friends.

The gentleman would rather die than commit dishonesty.

Those who understand ritual are subtle; those who do not understand ritual are gross.

The gentleman esteems those qualities in himself that others cannot equal, but he does not expect others to equal those qualities in him.

The gentleman is broad-minded but not partisan; the petty man is partisan but not broad-minded.

If a man is not ashamed to ask about what is below his dignity, he is not ashamed to learn what is beneath his understanding.

The gentleman makes things his servants; the petty man is the servant of things.

If you do not speak with a knowledgeable person, you are like a man who tries to walk without feet.

The ruler is the boat; the common people are the water. The water can support the boat, or the water can capsize the boat.