Confucius — "The Master said, 'The superior man is not an implement.'"

"The Master said, 'A man may be able to recite the three hundred odes, but if, when entrusted with a governmental charge, he knows not how to act, or if, when sent to any quarter on a mission, he canno…"

"When he eats, the gentleman does not seek to stuff himself. In his home he does not seek luxury. He is diligent in his work and cautious in his speech. He associates with those who possess the Way, an…"

"The gentleman understands integrity; the petty person knows about profit."

"In a state governed by the Way, poverty and low station are cause for shame; in a state bereft of the Way, wealth and high rank are cause for shame."

"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."