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
The Master said, βIf your conduct is determined solely by considerations of profit you will arouse great resentment.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Conduct based solely on profit can lead to resentment from others.
This quote by Confucius emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior over mere profit-seeking motives. It suggests that when one's actions are driven only by self-interest and profit, it can create negative feelings in others, leading to resentment and strained relationships. In essence, the quote advocates for a balance between personal gain and moral conduct.
Themes
ConductProfitResentmentEthicsRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a business ethics seminar to explain the importance of ethical decision-making.
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
No one is perfect. Your ERA is not zero. You're not going to have 30 wins. And your batting average isn't going to be 1.000. So you don't have the right to verbally talk out about somebody. Look at yourself. Did you do everything you could do? Did you start your day off right? Are you perfect?
Ken Griffey, Jr.Read
Protein was the most valued ingredient 250 years ago: It was the rarest thing. Now the rarest thing we have is time: time to cook and time to eat.
Adam GopnikRead
Do-so is more important than say-so.
Pete SeegerRead
I had always been impressed by the fact that there are surprisingly many individuals who never use their minds if they can avoid it, and yet are not stupid, and an equal number who obviously do use their minds but in an amazingly stupid way.
Carl JungRead
Our greatest duty and our main responsibility is to help others. But please, if you can't help them, would you please not hurt them.
Dalai LamaRead
You are made in the image of what you desire.
Thomas MertonRead