古今之事理无穷，一人之知识有限
The issues in ancient and modern times are inexhaustible, but the knowledge of one man is limited.
The proverb emphasizes the significance of learning. People should stay humble when faced with history and knowledge and it’s never too late to start learning.

 

古之君子，其责己也重以周，其待人也轻以约
The scholar of yore was strict with himself in every way possible, but tolerant of and magnanimous toward others.
The proverb comes from Tang scholar Han Yu’s article The Reason of Slander. It emphasizes a scholar should possess a modest and gentle character and bear heavy responsibility.

 

古之士，遭乎治世不避其任，遭乎乱世不为苟在
Sensible people of ancient times would not have evaded responsibility during orderly times, and they would have been ashamed of carving out ignoble existences during troubled times.
The proverb suggests that no matter whether the times are good or turbulent, people with lofty ideals can never avoid their duty to serve the country.

 

古之学者必有师
Students of ancient times all had their teachers.
The proverb comes from another article by Han Yu, On Teaching. It stresses the significant role that teachers play in people’s lives and shows respect for ancient people who strive to learn.

 

古之至人，先存诸己而后存诸人
The perfect men in the past saw to it that they had Tao in themselves before they passed it on to others.
The proverb is derived from Taoism. It indicates that traditional Chinese sages would follow the principle of perfecting themselves before helping others.