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

"The gentleman is at ease without being proud; the small man is proud without being at ease."

"First he behaves properly and then he speaks, so that his words follow his actions."

"The superior man is easy to serve but difficult to please; the inferior man is difficult to serve but easy to please."

"I transmit but do not innovate; I am truthful in what I say and devoted to antiquity."