The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.
The superior man loves his soul; the inferior man loves his property. The superior man always remembers how he was punished for his mistakes; the inferior man always remembers the presents he got.
The superior man is liberal toward others’ opinions, but does not completely agree with them; the inferior man completely agrees with others’ opinions, but is not liberal toward them.
The superior man is firm, but does not fight; he mises easily with others, but does not form cliques.
The superior man blames himself; the inferior man blames others.
The superior man is always candid and at ease with himself and others; the inferior man is always worried about something.
The superior man is filial.
The superior man, when resting in safety, does not forget that danger may come. When in a state of security he does not forget the possibility of ruin. When all is orderly, he does not forget that disorder may come. Thus his person is not endangered, and his States and all their clans are preserved.
To see what is right, and not to do it, is want of courage or of principle.
When anger rises, think of the consequences.
The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his actions.