1. Read ancient books and seek ways to cultivate one’s moral character; befriend the world’s elite and seek help in times of need. Establish a mind for heaven and earth, establish a destiny for the living and the people, carry on the unique teachings of the past saints, and create peace for all generations. ——Zhang Zai

2. Being honest and clear in knowing is a virtue and a good knowledge, not just a little knowledge based on hearing and seeing. ——Zhang Zai

3. Knowledge from seeing and hearing comes from the exchange of things. ——Zhang Zai

4. If you don't respect virtue, your knowledge will be immoral; if you don't be broad, you won't be able to be subtle and sincere; if you don't be extremely wise, you will choose the mean and lose the right measures at the right time. ——Zhang Zai

5. In ancient times, the emperor did not raise troops and had no use for his wealth. He must be rich in the Yin Dynasty. This is how to know the way to peace and prosperity. ——Zhang Zai

6. The articles of saints have no fixed style. Poems, books, Yi, Rites, Spring and Autumn Period can only be said according to the principles. ——Zhang Zai

7. When reading, you must first understand the doubts. Only when you have doubts where you are not doubtful can you make progress. If you are suspicious, don't doubt. You have never learned. To learn, you must doubt. Learning is more important than enlightenment, being conservative is useless. ——Zhang Zai

8. Those who can reach the world's aspirations can touch people's hearts. Saints are like people but have no self. Therefore, peace in the world cannot be achieved by touching people's hearts. ——Zhang Zai