Xunzi — "Ritual conduct is the perfection of culture."

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

"The petty man thinks that to make a small gain is to be wise. The superior man thinks that to make a small loss is to be foolish."

"If a noble man is not serious, he will not be respected, and his learning will not be on a firm foundation."

"The gentleman is cautious about what he does not know."

"The sage accumulates thoughts and ideas. He practices to achieve mastery for himself, and then applies this mastery to benefit others."