有三种益友：正直的朋友，诚信的朋友。

原文英文

A love for learning brings one close to wisdom; earnest effort in practice brings one close to benevolence; knowing shame brings one close to courage.

The application of ritual is valued for harmony. The way of the ancient kings was beautiful in this regard. Whether in major or minor matters, it should be followed. However, if there are situations where it cannot be fully implemented, one must understand harmony while adhering to ritual to regulate it; otherwise, it cannot be carried out effectively.

In terms of literary accomplishments, perhaps I am like others? But in personally practicing the ways of the gentleman, I have not yet achieved perfection.

The gentleman seeks from within himself; the petty man seeks from others.

Government means rectitude. If you lead by rectitude, who would dare be unrighteous? If upright people are promoted and placed above the crooked, the people will be satisfied; if crooked people are promoted and placed above the upright, the people will not be satisfied.

Virtue is never alone; it will surely have neighbors.

One begins with poetry, stands firm through ritual, and is perfected through music.

Orchids grow in secluded forests; they do not fail to emit their fragrance just because no one is there. The gentleman cultivates the Way and establishes virtue; he does not change his integrity because of poverty or adversity.

When living in a state, serve the worthy ministers and befriend the benevolent scholars.

Trustworthiness is close to righteousness, so words can be kept. Respectfulness is close to ritual, so one stays away from disgrace. Acting in accordance with what is proper and not losing one's kinship is also worthy of being a model.

To those of above-average capacity, one can speak of high principles; to those of below-average capacity, one cannot speak of high principles.

The most benevolent person in the world is one who can unite with the most intimate relationships of Heaven.

There are three friends who are beneficial: friends who are upright, friends who are sincere, and friends who are well-informed.

Being careful with the end and looking back to the distant past, the moral character of the people will return to thickness and sincerity.

A benevolent person must have courage, but a courageous person is not necessarily benevolent.

Committing a mistake and not correcting it is what is truly called a mistake.

Therefore, the gentleman resides in ease and awaits his fate, while the petty man takes risks to seek luck.

Observe what he does, look at the motives behind his actions, and examine what brings him peace of mind. How can a person hide himself? How can a person hide himself?

If substance outweighs form, one is rustic; if form outweighs substance, one is pedantic. Only when form and substance are balanced is one a gentleman.

Lord Ning Wu, when the state had good governance, was wise; when the state had poor governance, was foolish. His wisdom could be matched by others, but his foolishness (prudence) could not be matched.

A person's mind must be upright, and their conduct must be proper. The life of a person is straight; the life of one who is deceitful is merely a lucky escape.