QuoteProject
Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.
Confucius
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

It is better to have something valuable that has imperfections than to have something worthless that is perfect.

This quote by Confucius highlights the value of quality over superficial perfection. It suggests that it is preferable to possess something meaningful, even if it has flaws, rather than settling for something that is perfect but lacks substance or value.

Themes

DiamondFlawPebbleValueImperfection

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech about accepting personal imperfections.

More from Confucius

Speak the truth, do not yield to anger; give, if thou art asked for little; by these three steps thou wilt go near the gods.
ConfuciusRead
Earnest in practicing the ordinary virtues, and careful in speaking about them, if, in his practice, he has anything defective, the superior man dares not but exert himself; and if, in his words, he has any excess, he dares not allow himself such license.
ConfuciusRead
When you see a good person, think of becoming like her/him. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your own weak points.
ConfuciusRead
Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.
ConfuciusRead
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 that he has.
ConfuciusRead
Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.
ConfuciusRead

Similar quotes

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Spend each day trying to be a little wiser than you were when you woke up. Day by day, and at the end of the day-if you live long enough-like most people, you will get out of life what you deserve.
Charlie MungerRead
Everything in war is very simple, but the simplest thing is difficult.
Carl Von ClausewitzRead
If we had not winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
Anne BradstreetRead
Words without thoughts never to heaven go.
William ShakespeareRead
A man is not old as long as he is seeking something.
Jean RostandRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.