1. "As the heavens operate with vigor, a gentleman should ceaselessly strive for self-improvement." —— *The Book of Changes*
Translation: As gentlemen, we should possess a strong will and an unyielding spirit of struggle. We must strive to enhance our self-cultivation, complete and develop our studies or careers. Doing so is in accordance with the will of heaven and does not betray the responsibilities and talents bestowed upon us by the universe.
2. "Do not commit a wrong because it is small, nor omit a good deed because it is small." —— From *Records of the Three Kingdoms*, words of Liu Bei
Translation: For any matter, one should not do something bad just because it is minor and inconspicuous; conversely, for beneficial acts that may seem trivial but help others, one should not neglect them simply because their significance appears small.
3. "Upon seeing virtue, pursue it as if you cannot reach it; upon encountering vice, avoid it as if touching boiling water." —— *The Analects*
Translation: When encountering virtuous individuals, strive to learn from them without delay; when encountering virtuous actions, act promptly before it's too late. When faced with evil people or deeds, avoid them as though they were scalding hot water, leaving immediately and keeping far away.
4. "Blame yourself more and blame others less, and thus you will avoid resentment." —— *The Analects*
Translation: Taking on heavier workloads, and willingly accepting primary responsibility for mistakes is 'blaming oneself more'. Being forgiving and tolerant towards others is 'blaming others less'. In this way, mutual resentment can be avoided.
5. "A gentleman fosters the good in others, not the bad. A petty person does the opposite." —— *The Analects*
Translation: A gentleman always acts out of kindness or a desire to benefit others, wholeheartedly encouraging them to achieve good intentions and proper demands. They do not view the world through a cold lens or revel in chaos, nor do they exacerbate others' failures, errors, or suffering. A petty person, however, tends to encourage the bad in others and hinder the good ("fostering the bad in others, not the good").