This is a collection of quotes from great writers on the concept of the superior man and what characteristics make one up.
Confucius:
“What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.” ~Confucius
“A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.” ~Confucius
“The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.” ~Confucius
“The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his actions.” ~Confucius
“The superior man is slow in his words and earnest in his conduct.” ~Confucius
“The superior man works to develop the superior aspects of his character. The small man allows the inferior aspects of his character to flourish.” ~Confucius
“The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.” ~Confucius
“The superior man makes the difficulty to be overcome his first interest; success only comes later.” ~Confucius
"The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability he has.” ~Confucius
"The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability he has.” ~Confucius
“The object of the superior man is truth.” ~Confucius
H.L. Mencken:
"All government, in its essence, is a conspiracy against the superior man: it's on permanent object is to oppress him and cripple him.” ~H.L. Mencken
“Honor is simply the morality of superior men.” H.L. Mencken
“The theory behind representative government is that superior men- or at least men not inferior to the average in ability and integrity- are chosen to manage the public business, and that they carry on this work with reasonable intelligence and honesty. There is little support for that theory in known facts.” ~M.L. Mencken
“Every election is a sort of advance auction of stolen goods.” ~H.L. Mencken
“It is hard for the ape to believe he descended from man.” H.L. Mencken
John Milton:
“The superior man acquaints himself with many sayings of antiquity and many deeds of the past, in order to strengthen his character thereby.” ~John Milton