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
The failure to cultivate virtue, the failure to examine and analyze what I have learned, the inability to move toward righteousness after being shown the way, the inability to correct my faults-these are the causes of my grief.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the importance of self-reflection and moral development as essential for overcoming personal sorrow.
Confucius emphasizes that an individual's grief stems from their inability to cultivate virtuous qualities, engage in self-examination, embrace righteousness, and correct their mistakes. He suggests that personal fulfillment and emotional well-being are closely linked to one’s commitment to moral growth and awareness of one’s faults.
Themes
VirtueSelf-ReflectionGriefRighteousnessMoral Growth
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on personal development at a seminar.
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.
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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.
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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.
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But would we know, whether the pretended prophet had really attained a just sentiment of morals? Let us attend to his narration; and we shall soon find, that he bestows praise on such instances of treachery, inhumanity, cruelty, revenge, bigotry, as are utterly incompatible with civilized society. No steady rule of right seems there to be attended to; and every action is blamed or praised, so far only as it is beneficial or hurtful to the true believers.
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In our leisure we reveal what kind of people we are.
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