I used to take on trust a man's deeds after having listened to his words. Now having listened to a man's words I go on to observe his deeds.

The Master said of Gong Yechang, He is marriageable. Although he was once imprisoned and branded as a criminal, he was in fact innocent of any crime. The Master gave him his daughter in marriage.

There is nothing more real than what cannot be seen and there is nothing more certain than what cannot be heard.

Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue.

If there were one word that could act as a standard of conduct for one's entire life, perhaps it would be 'thoughtfulness.

Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage.

There is never a case when the root is in order and yet the branches are in order.