民为贵，社稷次之，君为轻。是故得乎丘民1而为天子，得乎天子为诸侯，得乎诸侯为大夫。

- 《孟子·尽心下》

The people are of paramount importance, the state is of secondary importance, and the ruler is of lesser importance. That is why when winning the support of the common people you will become the Emperor, when winning the heart of the Emperor you can become princes, when winning the confidence of the princes you can be officials.

- 《Mencius: Best Efforts, Book 2》

鱼，我所欲也；熊掌，亦我所欲也。二者不可得兼，舍鱼而熊掌者也。生，亦我所欲也；义，亦我所欲也。二者不可得兼，舍生而取义者也。生亦我所欲，所欲有甚于生者，故不为苟得也.

- 《孟子·告子上》

Fish is what I wish for and bear paw is, too, but when these two cannot be obtained at the same time, then I would rather give up fish and have bear paw. Life is what I want and justice is also, but when these two things cannot be kept at the same time, then I would rather sacrifice my life and choose righteousness. Life is what I want, but there are other things that are more important than life. I therefore will certainly not do anything to live an ignoble life.

无恒产而有恒心者，惟士为能。

- 《孟子·梁惠王上》

Of men without property only scholars can be morally consistent.

- 《Mencius: King Liang Hui, Book 1》

士穷不失义，达不离道。

- 《孟子·尽心上》

Scholars will not abandon righteousness in adversity, nor will they deviate from their justice principles when in good fortune.

- 《Mencius: Best Efforts, Book 1》

生于忧患，而死于安乐。

- 《孟子·告子下》

Adversities and hardships enable us to grow and prosper, while smug and indulgence in pleasure will lead to one's doom.”

- 《Mencius: To My Son, Book 2》