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