He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.

Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?

Lead the people with administrative injunctions and put them in their place with penal law, and they will avoid punishments but will be without a sense of shame. Lead them with excellence and put them in their place through roles and ritual practices, and in addition to developing a sense of shame, they will order themselves harmoniously

He who is concerned only with the purity of his own life ruins the great human relations.

Aquellos de espíritu superior entienden la justicia. Los ordinarios, el beneficio.

Death and life have their determined appointments; riches and honors depend upon heaven.

An oppressive government is more to be feared than a tiger.

A fool marvels at rare things, but a wise man at common ones.

The object of the superior man is truth.