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
Learn as if you were not reaching your goal and as though you were scared of missing it
Interpretation
What this quote means
Stay curious and dedicated to learning, regardless of your goals and fears.
This quote by Confucius encourages an attitude of continuous learning and growth. It suggests that one should approach education and personal development with the same seriousness as if they were striving to achieve a critical goal, while also embracing the anxiety of possibly not reaching that goal, driving them to learn more and explore deeply.
Themes
LearningEducationGrowthGoalsFear
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about the importance of lifelong learning.
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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