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
If a man is respectful he will not be treated with insolence. If he is tolerant he will win the multitude. If he is trustworthy in word his fellow men will entrust him with responsibility. If he is quick he will achieve results.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Respect, tolerance, trustworthiness, and quickness lead to positive interactions and success.
This quote by Confucius emphasizes the importance of personal virtues in achieving success and maintaining healthy relationships. It suggests that by embodying traits such as respect, tolerance, trustworthiness, and efficiency, an individual can foster positive connections with others and earn their trust and admiration, ultimately leading to favorable outcomes in both personal and professional aspects of life.
Themes
RespectToleranceTrustworthinessEfficiencySuccess
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a leadership seminar to highlight the importance of personal virtues.
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.
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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