From the Four Books
"One's responsibility (yi) is appropriateness itself,
the highest expression of which is to honor (tr. act
appropriately toward) the virtuous. Correct
behaviors (li) produce a decline in affection for
one's family members relative to one's honor for the
virtuous" (The Doctrine of the Mean, 20:5).
"The natural way (tao) is not far from humanity. If
one practices a way that is far from human nature,
this cannot be the natural way" (The Doctrine of the
Mean, 13:1).
"In all matters success depends on preparation;
without preparation there will be failure. When what
is to be said has been previously determined, there
will be no difficulty (tr. in carrying it out). When
a line of conduct is previously determined, there will
be no occasion for vexation. When the natural way
(tao) is previously determined, there will not be a
lack (tr. of correct options)" (The Doctrine of the Mean, 20:16).
"Empathetic consideration (chung shu) is not far from the natural path.
What you do not like when done to yourself, do not do to others" (The
Doctrine of the Mean, 13:3).
"There is no restraint in how badly the vulgar (lit. little) man acts
in his private life, but when he sees a virtuous man, he instantly
tries to disguise himself, concealing the bad and showing off the good
in him. But what good is his disguise, if people see into his very
heart when they look at him? This illustrates the saying, 'What is
truly within (tr. a man's heart) will be shown without (tr. in his
outward appearance)'" (The Great Learning, 6:2).
"Tsze-kung (tr. one of Confucius’s disciples) tended to criticize
people, and Confucius said, 'Ah Tsze, he's virtuous. As for me, I have
no leisure (tr. for such things)'" (Analects, 14:31).
"Men's transgressions are respectively characteristic of their sorts.
If you observe their transgressions, you will know their (tr. degree
of) virtue" (Analects, 4:7).
"The virtuous man completes the good in others, and
does not complete their evil. The vulgar man does the
opposite of this" (Analects, 12:16).
"If a man can be talked to, not talking with him
wastes the man. If a man cannot be talked to, talking
with him wastes your words. The wise waste neither
their man nor their words" (Analects, 15:7).
"Those who delight (tr. in words of wisdom) but do not
progress, who assent but do not rectify--I know not
what to do with them (lit. I not yet how him what).
Hold loyalty and faithfulness as first principles.
Have no friends who are not your equal. Do not be
afraid to rectify your transgressions" (Analects,
9:23-4).
"Hwéi (tr. Confucius's student) is not one who helps
me. In all my words, there is nothing he does not
delight in" (Analects, 11:3).
"Those who act based on their own personal benefit
will arouse dislike" (Analects, 4:12).
In advising the ruler, Chi K'ang Tzß, "To govern is to correct.
sir, you lead with correctness, who will dare not be correct?"
(Analects, 12:17)
If,
"It is only the virtuous who can love people; who can hate people.
Those who will virtue, (are) free of maliciousness" (Analects, 4:3-4).
"Could one for an entire day use all one's strength for virtue? (tr.
In such effort) I have never seen anyone with insufficient strength
(tr.: as distinct from will)" (Analects, 4:6).