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
A gentleman can see a question from all sides without bias._x000D_ The small man is biased and can see a question only from one side.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A wise person considers multiple perspectives before forming a judgment, while a narrow-minded individual sees only one side.
This quote by Confucius highlights the importance of open-mindedness and critical thinking. A gentleman, representing wisdom and maturity, is able to view issues from various angles, which allows for a deeper understanding and more informed decisions. In contrast, the 'small man' symbolizes ignorance and prejudice, as he is limited to a singular, biased perspective, which can lead to misunderstandings and poor choices.
Themes
PerspectiveWisdomBiasOpen-MindednessUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate, one could refer to this quote to emphasize the importance of considering all viewpoints.
More from Confucius
All quotes βEarnest 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
I'm very much a believer in knowing what it is that you love doing so you can do a great deal of it.
Nora EphronRead
I don't pay no attention to what critics say about me, the good or the bad. The toughest critic I got is myself...and I'm too vain to play anything I think is bad.
Miles DavisRead
When good is near you, when you have life in yourself, it is not by any known or accustomed way; you shall not discern the foot-prints of any other; you shall not see the face of man; you shall not hear any name; the way, the thought, the good, shall be wholly strange and new. It shall exclude example and experience.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
Each man is capable of doing one thing well. If he attempts several, he will fail to achieve distinction in any.
PlatoRead
Don't waste time trying to put in what was left out. Try to draw out what was left in.
Marcus BuckinghamRead
I understand aggressiveness in only one way: being prepared to hurt yourself, not someone else.
Jurgen KloppRead