The Master said, “When the state is well governed, speak uprightly and act uprightly; when the state is poorly governed, act uprightly but speak modestly and cautiously.”
Confucius said, “There are those with whom one can study together, but not proceed together on the Way; those with whom one can proceed on the Way, but not stand firm with; and those with whom one can stand firm, but not exercise discretion.”
Zilu asked about strength.The Master said:“Do you mean the strength of the South? The strength of the North? Or the strength that is truly yours to cultivate?
5.1, 5.2 The Master said of Gongye Chang, “Though he has suffered imprisonment, he is not an unfit person to choose as a husband; for it was not through any fault of his own.” He married him to his daughter.
Master You said,”In your promises cleave to what is right, and you will be able to fulfill your word; In your obeisances cleave to ritual, and you will keep dishonour at bay; In the partnership, choose those conversant ones, as they can stand the test of time. “