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
To know it is not as good as to love it, and to love it is not as good as to take delight in it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding something is less significant than loving it, while loving it is less significant than truly taking joy in it.
This quote by Confucius emphasizes the progression from knowledge to love to delight. It suggests that mere understanding of a concept or an entity is the first step, but it pales in comparison to the deeper connection of love, which in turn is eclipsed by the ultimate experience of deriving joy and delight from it. It advocates for an emotional engagement that surpasses intellectual comprehension or even affection.
Themes
KnowledgeLoveDelightJoyEmotion
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about personal growth, one might say this quote to emphasize the importance of emotional engagement in life.
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
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An example I often use to illustrate the reality of vanity, is this: look at the peacock; it's beautiful if you look at it from the front. But if you look at it from behind, you discover the truth... Whoever gives in to such self-absorbed vanity has huge misery hiding inside them.
Pope FrancisRead