•
The Master said, “The noble person is ashamed when his words exceed his actions.”
•
The Master said, “In ancient times, scholars studied to cultivate themselves; nowadays, scholars study to impress others.”
•
The Master said, “A person of virtue will surely have meaningful words; but one who has words is not necessarily virtuous. A humane (benevolent) person will surely possess courage; but a courageous person is not necessarily humane.”
•
The Master said, “Firmness, resoluteness, simplicity, and cautious speech—these qualities bring one close to benevolence/humaneness.”
•
The Master said, “The noble person is calm and composed but not arrogant; the petty person is arrogant but not calm.”
•
The Master said, “Is someone praised merely because his words sound sincere and earnest? Is he truly a noble person (junzi), or just someone who puts on a solemn appearance?”
•
Mencius said: “A truly noble person is one who has not lost the heart of a newborn child.”
•
Mencius said: “When it comes to understanding a person, nothing is more revealing than their eyes.The eyes cannot conceal a person’s evil.”