The feeling of compassion is the sprout of benevolence; shame, of righteousness; deference, of propriety; right and wrong, of wisdom.

The people are most important; the altars of state come next; the ruler is least important.

Favorable timing is less important than geographical advantage, and that is less important than unity among people.

The trouble with people is that they love playing teacher to others.

Those who fully develop their mind know their nature. Knowing their nature, they know Heaven.

Fire tests gold; adversity tests strong people.

-- Seneca

The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.

-- Marcus Aurelius

Life is an unfoldment, and the further we travel the more truth we can comprehend.

-- Hypatia

Blue dye is extracted from the indigo plant, yet it is bluer than indigo itself.

-- Xunzi

What does not kill me makes me stronger.

-- Friedrich Nietzsche

Do your duty and a little more, and the future will take care of itself.

-- Andrew Carnegie