"In a state governed by the Way, poverty and low station are cause for shame; in a state bereft of the Way, wealth and high rank are cause for shame."

"The gentleman reveres three things. He reveres the mandate of Heaven; he reveres great people; and he reveres the words of sages."

"The Master said, 'Riches and honors are what men desire. If they cannot be obtained in the proper way, they should not be held. Poverty and meanness are what men dislike. If they cannot be avoided in …"

"The superior man is distressed by his lack of ability, not by the failure of others to recognize him."

"Study the past if you would define the future."