Sayings of Confucius (K'ung Ch'iu)

• From the Emperor down to the masses of the people, all must consider the cultivation of the person the root of everything else.
• Respect shown without observing the rules of propriety is called vulgarity. Courtesy without observing these rules is called forwardness. Boldness without observing them is called violence. Forwardness mars gentleness and benevolence.
• If there is careful attention to burial rites, if the offerings are made to the dead, then the people, I promise you, will turn fully to excellence.
• Take your stand on the ritual and be perfected by music.
• If a mat is not straight, he will not sit on it.
• When those above observe the ritual, the common people will be easy to command.
• If the official is himself upright, the people will play their roles without orders. If he is not upright, however, even under orders the people will be disobedient.

• The way that can be spoken of is not the constant way; The name that can be named is not the constant name.
• As a thing, the way is Shadowy, indistinct.
• Its upper part is not dazzling; Its lower part is not obscure. Dimly visible, it cannot be named, and returns to that which is without substance. This is called the shape that has no shape, the image that is without substance. This is called indistinct and shadowy. Go up to it and you will not see its head; follow behind it and you will not see its tail.
• The court is corrupt, the fields are overgrown with weeds, the granaries are empty; Yet there are those dressed in fineries, with swords at their sides, filled with food and drink, and possessed of too much wealth. This is known as taking the lead in robbery. Far indeed is this from the Way.
• The Great Way is easy, yet people prefer by-paths.