To treat everyone equally is offensive, because it fails to recognize anyone as an individual.

You should not be esteemed by others if you have no real inner virtue. People here in Japan esteem others on the basis of outward appearances, without knowing anything about real inner virtue; so students lacking the spirit of the Way are dragged down into bad habits and become subject to temptation.

كيف يمكن للمرء أن يلوم الآخرين لأنهم لا يحترمونه إذا لم يكن يعتبر نفسه جديرا بالاحترام.

He who praises everybody, praises nobody.

What will the people who don’t hold you in highest regard say about you?

All men seek esteem; the best by lifting themselves, which is hard to do, the rest by shoving others down, which is much easier.

The elevation of others amounts to a demotion of oneself, thus equality feels like a demotion.

Respect is how to treat everyone, not just those you want to impress.

We all either underestimate each other, or else exaggerate each other’s virtues. Very few people are capable of assessing others as they deserve. It is a particular gift. In fact I would even say that only the great are capable of it.

Who belonged to no one, who belonged to everyone.
Who had nothing, who wanted everything.

He who is not enviable is not admirable.

All celebrated people lose dignity
upon a closer view

Wise people say it is folly to think anybody perfect; and as to likes and dislikes, we should be friendly to all, and worship none

Never depend on the admiration of others. There is no strength in it. Personal merit cannot be derived from an external source. It is not to be found in your personal associations, nor can it be found in the regard of other people. It is a fact of life that other people, even people who love you, will not necessarily agree with your ideas, understand you, or share your enthusiasms. Grow up! Who cares what other people think about you!