The Analects

You can't come to these parts and omit the Master and Sage.
These are taken from a nice sequence in Book 15, Stephen R. McIntyre translator. (Available on-line.)
A young woman, Brenda, encountered at Singapore National Library, has recently quit her job and, prompted by one of the Buddhist temples, is currently devoting herself to a translation of the Analects. Often those on-line are inadequate, she believes. Singaporeans are in a bit of strife, Brenda thinks, neglecting their parents, money obsessed, having no time.


Chapter 11.
The necessity of forethought and precaution.
The Master said, "If a man take no thought about what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand."

Chapter 12.
The rarity of a true love of virtue.
The Master said, "It is all over! I have not seen one who loves virtue as he loves beauty."

Chapter 14.
The way to ward off resentments.
The Master said, "He who requires much from himself and little from others, will keep himself from being the object of resentment."

Chapter 15.
Nothing can be made of people who take things easily, not giving themselves the trouble to think.
The Master said, "When a man is not in the habit of saying -- 'What shall I think of this? What shall I think of this?' I can indeed do nothing with him!"

Chapter 18.
Our own incompetency, and not our reputation, the proper business of concern to us.
The Master said, "The superior man is distressed by his want of ability. He is not distressed by men's not knowing him."

Chapter 19.
The superior man wishes to be had in remembrance.
The Master said, "The superior man dislikes the thought of his name not being mentioned after his death."