ily can not be capable
of ruling a nation. The superior man will find within the limits of
his own home, a sufficient sphere for the exercise of all those
principles upon which good government depends. How, indeed, can it
be otherwise, when filial piety is that which should regulate the
conduct of a people toward their prince; fraternal affection, that
which should regulate the relations which should exist between
equals, and the conduct of inferiors toward those above them; and
paternal kindness, that which should regulate the bearing of those
in authority toward those over whom they are placed?

Be slow in speech, but prompt in action.

He whose principles are thoroughly established will not be easily
led from the right path.

The cautious are generally to be found on the right side.

By speaking when we ought to keep silence, we waste our words.

If you would escape vexation, reprove yourself liberally and others
sparingly.

There is no use attempting to help those who can not help
themselves.

Make friends with the upright, intelligent and wise; avoid the
licentious, talkative and vain.

Disputation often breeds hatred.

Nourish good principles with the same care that a mother would
bestow on her newborn babe. You may not be able to bring them to
maturity, but you will nevertheless be not far from doing so.

The decrees of Heaven are not immutable, for though a throne may be
gained by virtue, it may be lost by vice.

There are five good principles of action to be adopted: To benefit
others without being lavish; to encourage labor without being
harsh; to add to your resources without being covetous; to be
dignified without being supercilious; and to inspire awe without
being austere. Also, we should not search for love or demand it,
but so live that it will flow to us.

Personal character can only be established on fixed principles, for
if the mind be allowed to be agitated by violent emotions, to be
excited by fear, or unduly moved by the love of pleasure, it will
be impossible for it to be made perfect. A man must reason calmly,
for without reason he would look and not see, listen and not hear.

When a man has been helped around one corner of a square, and can
not manage by himself to get around the other thr