One must learn extensively and endlessly, never be weary of the pursuit. One must never give way to licentiousness even when living in isolation and acting alone, and always follow the right paths even though smoothly promoted in officialdom. One must act in accordance with etiquette, value generosity and harmony, regard loyalty and honesty as virtue, tolerance and benevolence as benchmarks. One should recommend people with virtue and talent, and yet tolerate and be magnanimous toward those of ordinary virtue and aptitude. If necessary, one may even bend principles in order to accommodate the wishes of the general public. (The Book of Rites)