I did not find the world desolate when I entered it: my fathers planted for me before I was born; so do I plant for those who will come after me.

A man should always be flexible like a reed and not rigid like a cedar.

A person should always consider himself to have a sacred [item] in his bowels [which may become damaged by not eating properly].

The bad teachers words fall upon his pupils like harsh rain; the good teachers, as gently as dew.