Mêncio

Virtue alone is not sufficient for the exercise of government; laws alone cannot carry themselves into practice.

When one by force subdues men, they do not submit to him in heart. They submit because their strength is not adequate to resist.

Listen to a man’s words and look at the pupil of his eye. How can a man conceal his character?

Men must be decided on what they will not do, and then they are able to act with vigor in what they ought to do.

Sincerity is the way of Heaven.

Never has a man who has bent himself been able to make others straight.

All men have the mind which cannot bear [to see the suffering of] others.