Man is born for uprightness. If a man lose his uprightness and yet live, his escape from death is mere good fortune.

The gentleman calls attention to the good points in others; he does not call attention to their defects. The small man does just the reverse of this.

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

In struggling with misfortunes lies the true proof of virtue.

The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.

If the Superior Man is not serious, then he will not inspire awe in others. If he is not learned, then he will not be on firm ground. He takes loyalty and good faith to be of primary importance, and has no friends who are not of equal (moral) caliber.