Confucius

If what one has to say is not better than silence, then one should keep silent.

To those whose talents are above mediocrity, the highest subjects may be announced. To those who are below mediocrity, the highest subjects may not be announced.

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

If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear?

Have no friends not equal to yourself.

Not to converse with a man worthy of conversation is to waste the man. To converse with a man not worthy of conversation is to waste words. The wise waste neither men nor words.

I will not be concerned at other men's not knowing me;I will be concerned at my own want of ability.

Don’t complain about the snow on your neighbor’s roof when your own doorstep is unclean.

Don't be concerned about others not appreciating you. Be concerned about your not appreciating others.

We can know a person by observing his behaviour, understanding the reasons for his actions and ascertaining his intentions. If we do this, how can we not know him?

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

If a man keeps cherishing his old knowledge so as continually to be acquiring new, he may be a teacher of others.

Don't worry if people don't recognize your merits; worry that you may not recognize theirs.

When you see a good man, try to emulate his example, and when you see a bad man, search yourself for his faults.

The good man does not grieve_x000D_ that other people do not recognize his merits._x000D_ His only anxiety is lest he should fail to recognize theirs.

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

While the gentleman cherishes benign rule, the small man cherishes his native land. While the gentleman cherishes a respect for the law, the small man cherishes generous treatment.

Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?

Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.

Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.

I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there.