6.29The Master said, “How transcendent is the moral power of the Middle Use! That it is but rarely found among the common people is a fact long admitted.”
6.18 The Master said, “When natural substance prevails over ornamentation, you get the boorishness of the rustic. When ornamentation prevails over natural substance, you get the pedantry of the scribe. Only when ornament and substance are duly blended do you get the true gentleman.”
6.2 Ran Yong asked about Zisang Bozi. The Master said, “He is suited to be an official and he is lax.”
5.20 Ji Wen used to think thrice before acting. The Master hearing of it said, “Twice is quite enough.”
3.20 Confucius said, “The Ospreys! Pleasure not carried to the point of debauch; grief not carried to the point of self-injury.”
Tasty foods are like poison that perforates your intestines and erodes your bones. So long as you only eat until you are half full no harm will ensue.
A man must be tolerant and broad-minded, but not unfettered and freewheeling. His thoughts must be meticulous and careful, but not trifling and cluttered.