*Scholars will not drop righteousness in adversity, nor will they diverge from their principles m times of success.
士穷不失义，达不离道。
*A benevolent ruler in ancient times would correct his mistakes. But a ruler now would leave the mistake uncorrected and muddle through.
古之君子过则改之.今之君子，过则顺之。
*A wealthy man will not be poverty-stricken in famine years; a virtuous man will not be led astray during turbulent days.
周于利者凶年不能杀，周于德者邪世不能乱。
*The best way to cultivate one's heart is to reduce one's desires. When one's desires are few, the merits that he loses will be few. With numerous desires, one can hardly keep much goodness.
养心莫善于寡欲。其为人也寡欲，虽有不存焉者.其为人也多欲，虽有存焉者，寡矣。
*Everyone has a heart of mercy. Ancient kings were merciful so their governments were merciful. To practice forbearance with such a heart, running a state will be as easy as turning over one's hand.
人皆有不忍人之心。先王有不忍人之心，斯有不忍人之政矣。以不忍人之心，行不忍人之胜，治天下可运之拿上。
*In obscurity , scholars would maintain their own integrity; in times of success, they would make perfect the whole empire.
达则兼济天下,穷则独善其身
