Filial piety and a due regard to elders, we consider as holding the first place; the acquisition of knowledge we rank in a secondary place.
A child must first learn the names of things and the art of numbering: as from one to ten, from ten to a hundred, from a hundred to a thousand, from a thousand to ten thousand.
Heaven, earth, and man are three powers. The sun, moon, and stars are three lights.
A prince and minister; a father and son; a husband and wife, are three relations.
What are called spring and summer, autumn and winter, are four seasons that revolve without ceasing.
What are called south and north, west and east, are four quarters, corresponding to the centre.
What are called water, fire, wood, metal, and earth, are five original elements.
Benevolence, justice, politeness, knowledge, and truth, are five standard virtues, which cannot bear to be disturbed.
