The essence of knowledge is, having it, to apply it; not having it, to confess your ignorance. Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance. By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. If a man take no thought about what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand. It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. When prosperity comes, do not use all of it. Wealth and rank are what people desire, but unless they are obtained in the right way they may not be possessed. To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must cultivate our personal life; and to cultivate our personal life, we must first set our hearts right. To be able to practice five things everywhere under heaven constitutes perfect virtue. They are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness. The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home. | 
