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When you face trying circumstances, everything that you encounter has the effect of bitter medicinal herbs and the stone needles used in acupuncture. These needles and medicines serve to refine your character and conduct, although you do not realize it.
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If every person made a habit of looking upon everything as flawless, then everything in the world would naturally become perfect.
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If Heaven has not granted me enough happiness I keep increasing my store of virtue to supplement this small portion.
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If you are able to keep quiet in a noiseless place, that kind of quietness does not count for much; only the quietness that is obtained from hard work accords completely with man’s nature.
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When at leisure do not let precious time slip idly by. You will discover the great value of such advice in your busy days.
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The poor man sweeps his floor until it is spotless. The poor woman combs her hair until it is neat and tidy. Neither produces a wonderful sight, but these actions bespeak a sensibility of elegance.
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An unruly horse can still be ridden after taming. Melted metals from the smelting furnace are returned to the mould.