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
Don't worry if people don't recognize your merits; worry that you may not recognize theirs.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Value the contributions of others instead of seeking recognition for your own.
This quote by Confucius emphasizes the importance of humility and the recognition of the talents and merits of those around us. It suggests that rather than being preoccupied with whether others acknowledge our own achievements, we should focus on appreciating and understanding the worth and contributions of others, fostering a more respectful and harmonious environment.
Themes
RecognitionHumilityAppreciationMeritsWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting, to remind everyone to acknowledge each other’s contributions.
More from Confucius
All quotes →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
As soon as error is corrected, it is important that the error be forgotten and only the successful attempts be remembered. Errors, mistakes, and humiliations are all necessary steps in the learning process. Once they have served their purpose, they should be forgotten. If we constantly dwell upon the errors, then the error or failure becomes the goal.
Vince LombardiRead
If we rail and kick against it and grow bitter, we won't change the inevitable; but we will change ourselves. I know. I have tried it. I once refused to accept an inevitable situation with which I was confronted. I played the fool and railed against it, and rebelled. I turned my nights into hells of insomnia. I brought upon myself everything I didn't want. Finally, after a year of self-torture, I had to accept what I knew from the outset I couldn't possible alter.
Dale CarnegieRead
Work kills no one, but worry has killed multitudes… Worry not only saps vitality and wastes energy, but it also seriously affects the quality of one's work. It cuts down ability. A man cannot get the highest quality of efficiency into his work when his mind is troubled. The mental faculties must have perfect freedom before they will give out their best. A troubled brain cannot think clearly, vigorously, and logically.
Orison S. MardenRead
The strong man is the one who is able to intercept at will the communication between the senses and the mind.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
It is not so easy to keep silent when the silence is a lie.
Victor HugoRead
Talent, will and genius are natural phenomena like the lake, the volcano, the mountain, the wind, the star, the cloud.
George SandRead