The nobler sort of man emphasizes the good qualities in others, and does not accentuate the bad. The inferior does.

Confucius

NoblerQualitiesInferiorGood...+1

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.

Confucius

SuperiorSeriousInspireLoyalty...+6

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.

Confucius

GentlemanDefectsAttentionGood

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

Confucius

UprightnessDeathFortuneGood

To be fond of learning is to be near to knowledge. To practice with vigor is to be near to magnanimity. To possess the feeling of shame is to be near to energy.

Confucius

LearningKnowledgePracticeShame...+4

The man who in view of gain thinks of righteousness; who in the view of danger is prepared to give up his life; and who does not forget an old agreement however far back it extends - such a man may be reckoned a complete man.

Confucius

GainRighteousnessLifeAgreement...+1