Confucius

Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.

When we see men of worth, we should think how we may learn to equal them. When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inward and examine ourselves.

Humility is the solid foundation of all the virtues.

Ignorance is the night of the mind, a night without moon or star.

The gentleman holds justice to be of highest importance. If a gentleman has courage but neglects justice, he becomes insurgent. If an inferior man has courage but neglects justice, he becomes a thief.

If a man is not good, what has he to do with the rules of propriety? If he is not good, what has he to do with music?

He who wishes to secure the good of others has already secured his own.

Behave when away from home as though you were in the presence of an honored guest. Employ the people as though you were assisting at an important sacrifice. Do not do to others what you would not like yourself. Then there will be no feelings of opposition to you, whether it is the affairs of a state that you are handling or the affairs of a family.

He who is really good can never be unhappy. He who is really wise can never be perplexed. He who is really brave is never afraid.

Without goodness a man cannot endure adversity for long, nor can he enjoy prosperity for long. The good man is naturally at ease with goodness. The wise man cultivates goodness for its advantage.