A classical Chinese line for “Know your priorities”

Things have roots and branches; affairs have endings and beginnings. To know what comes first and what follows is to approach the Way.

Plain meaningKnow what matters first, and do not confuse the root with the branches.

Know contentment and avoid disgrace; know where to stop and avoid danger; then you can endure.

Plain meaningKnow what is enough and when to stop.

To know others is intelligence; to know oneself is clarity.

Plain meaningUnderstanding yourself is the deeper wisdom.

Review what is old and understand what is new; then one can serve as a teacher.

Plain meaningReturn to what you know until it yields a new understanding.

I cannot know the true face of Mount Lu because I am inside the mountain.

Plain meaningBeing inside a situation can hide the full picture.

Study broadly, question carefully, think cautiously, distinguish clearly, and practice earnestly.

Plain meaningLearn widely, ask well, think clearly, judge carefully, and then act.