The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has.
Confucius

The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.
Confucius

The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
Confucius

The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.
Confucius

Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself.
Confucius

Look at the means which a man employs, consider his motives, observe his pleasures. A man simply cannot conceal himself!
Confucius

The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.
Confucius

The superior man makes the difficulty to be overcome his first interest; success only comes later.
Confucius

I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.
Socrates

An honest man is always a child.
Socrates

As to marriage or celibacy, let a man take which course he will, he will be sure to repent.
Socrates

One who is injured ought not to return the injury, for on no account can it be right to do an injustice; and it is not right to return an injury, or to do evil to any man, however much we have suffered from him.
Socrates

He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy.
Socrates

Once made equal to man, woman becomes his superior.
Socrates

If a man is proud of his wealth, he should not be praised until it is known how he employs it.
Socrates

I was really too honest a man to be a politician and live.
Socrates

Beauty is the bait which with delight allures man to enlarge his kind.
Socrates

No matter how dull, or how mean, or how wise a man is, he feels that happiness is his indisputable right.
Helen Keller

A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of friends.
George Washington

I can only say that there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do to see a plan adopted for the abolition of slavery.
George Washington