Confucius

Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous. ”

You cannot open a book without learning something. ”

Study the past, if you would divine the future. ”

In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of. ”

The superior man does not, even for the space of a single meal, act contrary to virtue. In moments of haste, he cleaves to it. In seasons of danger, he cleaves to it. ”

He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it. ”

To see the right and not to do it is cowardice. ”

There are three methods to gaining wisdom. The first is reflection, which is the highest. The second is limitation, which is the easiest. The third is experience, which is the bitterest. ”

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. ”

The superior man makes the difficulty to be overcome his first interest; success only comes later. ”