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A person bereft of sincerity is like the facial makeup a woman wears; everything he does is mere empty show.
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When a trap is set for fish it sometimes happens that a frog blunders into it. A mantis stalks a cicada, only to fall prey to the unseen finch following it.
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Accomplishments and hallowed writings perish with their creators. The spirit, however, is everlasting.
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A person who engages in self-reflection turns everything he comes into contact with into a good tonic which keeps him alert.
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When the candle flame flutters weakly and there is no sound on earth, it is time for us to go to sleep.
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Virtue increases along with magnanimity; magnanimity arises from the increase in man’s knowledge.
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The virtuous man makes his gaze ever cooler and brighter; on no account does he lightly assert his upright nature.
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When we are hungry we seek relief from others. When we have full stomachs we shun others.
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A learned man who is poor has no way to assist other people by means of material wealth.