Is virtue a thing remote? I wish to be virtuous, and lo! Virtue is at hand.

The superior man is satisfied and composed; the mean man is always full of distress.

With coarse rice to eat, with water to drink, and my bended arm for a pillow - I have still joy in the midst of these things. Riches and honors acquired by unrighteousness are to me as a floating cloud.

I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there.

The man of virtue makes the difficulty to be overcome his first business, and success only a subsequent consideration.

Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.

When we see men of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.

The cautious seldom err.

The superior man...does not set his mind either for anything, or against anything; what is right he will follow.

I have not seen a person who loved virtue, or one who hated what was not virtuous. He who loved virtue would esteem nothing above it.