1. A gentleman is knowledgeable and examines himself three times every day. Then he will know clearly and act without fault. ——Xunzi

2. Self-examination is a mirror that can clearly show our mistakes and give us the opportunity to correct them. ——Heine

3. It is difficult to predict the coming of disasters, but as long as you are not greedy for money, do not use tricks, do not sell your reputation, and do not be arrogant, you can make up for one or two of the gaps. People die for money, and if they are not greedy, they will avoid disaster. ——Zeng Guofan

4. A greedy person takes things unjustly, regardless of injustice; an honest person takes things obediently, and always feels ashamed when he gets what he deserves. ——Chen Xin

5. Worry about the world’s worries first, and rejoice after the world’s happiness. ——Fan Zhongyan

6. Don’t be greedy for unexpected wealth, and don’t drink too much wine. ——Zhu Bailu

7. Get rid of selfishness first, and then you can manage public affairs; first see things in peace, and then you can listen to what others say. ——Jin Ying

8. The key to government is publicity and purity; the way to start a family is frugality and diligence. ——Lin Bu

9. Wherever there is fame and fortune, taking a step back will bring you stability, but just moving forward will bring you danger. ——Zhu Xi

10. Be disciplined and cultivate the virtues of an official.

11. Always discover your own mistakes, admit them boldly and forthrightly, and make changes quickly and bravely.

12. A person’s greatest victory is to defeat himself. ——Andreyev

13. The way a gentleman governs is based on self-cultivation.

14. Those who are not subject to corruption are called honest, and those who are not polluted are called clean. If there is no integrity, there will be nothing new and nothing will be done; if there is no shame, there will be nothing new but nothing will be done. The source of dishonesty is shamelessness.

——Gu Yanwu