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
Just as lavishness leads easily to presumption, so does frugality to meanness. But meanness is a far less serious fault than presumption.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Excessive extravagance can lead to arrogance, while being overly frugal can result in stinginess; however, being mean is a lesser flaw than being presumptuous.
In this quote, Confucius highlights the dangers of two extremes: lavishness and frugality. He warns that indulgence and extravagance can produce a sense of superiority and entitlement, while being excessively frugal can lead to a lack of generosity and compassion. However, he asserts that while both traits can be problematic, the act of being presumptuous is a more serious moral failing than simply being mean. This insight emphasizes the importance of balance and moderation in one's behavior and attitudes.
Themes
LavishnessPresumptionFrugalityMeannessBalance
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about personal finance, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of balance in spending.
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
Ponder and deliberate before you make your move. He will conquer who has learned the artifice of deviation. Such is the art of maneuvering.
Sun TzuRead
Geniuses must never die, the progress of mankind depends on us
Salvador DaliRead
To strive with difficulties, and to conquer them, is the highest human felicity.
Samuel JohnsonRead
Let us be silent, that we may hear the whispers of the gods.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
Baldwin often times stumbles over the truth, but he always picks himself up and hurries on as if nothing had happened.
Winston ChurchillRead
Words without thoughts never to heaven go.
William ShakespeareRead