“In time, we lose our freshness and spontaneity of true conversation. These are areas in which everyone interested in self-improvement will seek to improve.”

“We all have a vast number of areas in which we have no talent or skill and little chance of becoming even mediocre. In those areas a knowledge workers should not take on work, jobs and assignments. It takes far more energy to improve from incompetence to mediocrity than it takes to improve from first-rate performance to excellence.”

“Defeat exists but not suffering. A true warrior knows that when he loses a battle, he is improving the skill with which he wields a sword. He will be able to fight more skilfullly next time.”

“We improve ourselves by victory over our self. There must be contests, and you must win.”

“When we seek to change others to suit our desires we engage in folly, but when we seek to improve ourselves, as an example to others we can change the world.”

“Our tendency to point out the weaknesses of others is a way to avoid facing our own shortcomings and areas needing improvement.”