Confucius

A good man will certainly also possess courage; but a brave man is not necessarily good.

To see what is right, and not do it, is want of courage, or of principle.

A gentleman considers what is right; The vulgar consider what will pay.

To know what is right and not to do it is the worst cowardice.

He who is influenced neither by the soaking in of slander nor by the assault of denunciation may indeed be called enlightened.

Settle one difficulty, and you keep a hundred away.

It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.

The injury of prodigality leads to this, that he who will not economize will have to agonize.

There are three sorts of friendships which are advantageous, and three which are injurious. Friendships with the upright, friendships with the sincere, and friendships with the well informed are advantageous. Friendships with those who flatter, friendships with those of weak principles, and friendships with those who talk cleverly are injurious.

There are three sorts of pleasures which are advantageous, and three which are injurious. Finding pleasure in the discriminating study of ceremonies and music, finding pleasure in discussing the good points in the conduct of others, and finding pleasure in having many wise friends, these are advantageous. But finding pleasure in profligate enjoyments, finding pleasure in idle gadding about, and finding pleasure in feasting, these are injurious.