•
Ziqin said to Zigong, “When our Master arrives in a fresh country he always manages to find out about its policy. Does he do this by asking questions, or do people tell him of their own accord?”
•
The Master said,”‘Clever talk and a pretentious manner’ are seldom found in the Good.”
•
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.
•
In making a sacrifice, it is important not to have an indecisive mind. Such a mind can inflict a great deal of shame on your spirit of self-sacrifice.
•
He who studies without appreciating the insights of the wise men of old is no more than a copyist. He who holds office but loves not the common people is no more than a robber in official attire.
•
Only a person of pure moral character can appreciate the fine nature of the ancient sages through the study of ancient works.