Confucius remarked, "A young man, when at home, should be a good son; when out in the world, a good citizen. He should be circumspect and truthful. He should be in sympathy with all men, but intimate with men of moral character. If he has time and opportunity to spare, after the performance of those duties, he should then employ them in literary pursuits."

The Master said, "A young man should be a good son at home and an obedient young man abroad, sparing of speech but trustworthy in what he says, and should love the multitude at large but cultivate the friendship of his fellow men. If, after all these activities, he has any energy to spare, let him use it to making himself cultivated."

The Master said, "A young man’s duty is to behave well to his parents at home and to his elders abroad, to be cautious in giving promises and punctual in keeping them, to have kindly feelings towards everyone, but seek the intimacy of the Good. If, when all that is done, he has any energy to spare, then let him study the polite arts."

The Master said: "As a younger brother and son, be filial (xiao 孝) at home and deferential (di 弟) in the community; be cautious in what you say and then make good on your word (xin 信); love the multitude broadly and be intimate with those who are authoritative in their conduct (ren 仁). If in so behaving you still have energy left, use it to improve yourself through study."

Chee says, the disciple within (the house) should exercise filial piety; without, fraternal respect; should be prudent and faithful; highly affectionate to all, and intimate with the good; when he has leisure, he should apply to learning.