Things have their root and their branches. Affairs have their end and their beginning. To know what is first and what is last will lead near to what … - Confucius

Things have their roots and branches. Affairs have their beginnings and their ends. To know what is first and what is last will lead one near the Way.

To know what is first and what is last will lead near to what is taught in the Great Learning.

When your father is alive, observe his will. When your father is dead observe his former actions. If, for three years [after the death of your father] you do not change from the ways of your father, you can be called a 'real son (xiào/hsiao)'.

lesson about knowledge? When you know a thing, maintain that you know it; and when you do not, acknowledge your ignorance. This is characteristic of knowledge.

Very few go astray who comport themselves with restraint.