The Analects of Confucius

"...To be patient even when others do not understand -- is this not the mark of the gentlemen?" (1:1)

"The Master said ' Both keeping past teachings alive and understand the present -- someone able to do this is worthy of being a teacher'" (2:11)

"Being a filial son and good brother, one is already taking part in government. What need is there, then to speak of 'participating in government'"? (2:19)

"Do not be concerned that you lack an official position, but rather concern yourself with the means by which you might become established. Do not be concerned that no one has heard of you but rather strive to become a person worthy of being known." (4:14)

"The gentlemen understands rightness whereas the petty person understands profit" (4:16)

"People in ancient times were not eager to speak, because they would be ashamed if their actions did not measure up to their words" (4:22)

"One who knows it is not the equal of one who loves it, and one who loves it is not the equal of one who takes joy in it." (6:20)

"The wise take joy in rivers, while the Good take joy in mountains. The wise are active, while the good are still. The wise are joyful while the Good are long-lived" (6:23)

"If I were granted many more years, and could devote fifty of them to learning, surely I would be able to be free of major faults" (7:17)

"I am not someone who was born with knowledge. I simply love antiquity and diligently look there for knowledge" (7:20)

"The gentlemen is self-possessed and relaxed, while the petty man is perpetually full of worry." (7:37)

"I have yet to meet a man who loves virtue as much as he loves sex" (9:18)

"Only after Winter comes do we know that the pine and cypress are the last to fade" (9:28)

"The wise are not confused, the Good do not worry and the courageous do not fear" (9:29)