The great man does not think beforehand of his words that they may be sincere, nor of his actions that they may be resolute; — he simply speaks and d… - Mencius

Those with cringing postures and flattering smiles work harder than those who till the fields in summer.

Words that defy reality are ominous. And it’s ominous reality that confronts those who would obscure the wise and worthy.

The superior man has three things in which he delights, and to be ruler over the kingdom is not one of them. That his father and mother are both alive, and that the condition of his brothers affords no cause for anxiety;—this is one delight. That, when looking up, he has no occasion for shame before Heaven, and, below, he has no occasion to blush before men;—this is a second delight. That he can get from the whole kingdom the most talented individuals, and teach and nourish them;—this is the third delight.