"First he behaves properly and then he speaks, so that his words follow his actions."

"The gentleman concerns himself with the Way; he does not worry about his salary."

"I transmit but do not innovate; I am truthful in what I say and devoted to antiquity."

"If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself."

"If a man does not say to himself, 'What shall I think of this? What shall I think of this?' I can make nothing of him."