It is said in the Book of Poetry, 'In silence is the offering presented, and the spirit approached to; there is not the slightest contention.' Therefore the superior man does not use rewards, and the people are stimulated to virtue. He does not show anger, and the people are awed more than by hatchets and battle-axes.

The superior man, even when he is not moving, has a feeling of reverence, and while he speaks not, he has the feeling of truthfulness.

Among the appliances to transform the people, sound and appearances are but trivial influences.

The superior man examines his heart, that there may be nothing wrong there, and that he may have no cause for dissatisfaction with himself. That wherein the su…