The Way of the Master consists in
doing one's best and in using one's self
as a measure to guage others.
That is all.

--

The Master said, "If wealth were a permissable persuit,
I would be willing even to act as a guard holding a whip
outside the marketplace.
If it is not, I shall follow my own preferences."

--

The Master said, "If anyone can,
while dressed in a worn-out gown
padded with old silk floss,
stand beside a man wearing fox
or badger without shame,
it is, I suppose, Yu."

--

The Master said,
"Make it your guiding principle
to do your best for others
and to be trustworthy in what you say.
Do not accept as friend
anyone who is not as good as you.
When you make a mistake
do not be afraid of mending your ways."
Book IX, 25