The feeling of compassion is the sprout of benevolence; shame, of righteousness; deference, of propriety; right and wrong, of wisdom.

The people are most important; the altars of state come next; the ruler is least important.

Favorable timing is less important than geographical advantage, and that is less important than unity among people.

Those who fully develop their mind know their nature. Knowing their nature, they know Heaven.

We survive through adversity and perish through comfort.

Begin each day by telling yourself: today I shall meet with interference, ingratitude, insolence, disloyalty, ill-will, and selfishness.

-- Marcus Aurelius

I know that I do not know.

-- Plato

I know that I know nothing.

-- Socrates

The highest goodness is like water. Water benefits all things and does not compete; it dwells in places others disdain, and so is close to the Tao.

-- Laozi

When three walk together, one is surely my teacher. I follow what is good and correct what is not.

-- Confucius

I transmit but do not create; I trust in and love the ancients.

-- Confucius