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
We can know a person by observing his behaviour, understanding the reasons for his actions and ascertaining his intentions. If we do this, how can we not know him?
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding a person involves observing their behavior and uncovering their intentions.
This quote by Confucius emphasizes the importance of looking beyond surface interactions to truly understand an individual. By observing someone's behavior, seeking the motivations behind their actions, and clarifying their intentions, we can gain deeper insights into their character and appreciate them more fully.
Themes
UnderstandingBehaviorIntentionsCharacterObservation
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on empathy, one might cite this quote to highlight the importance of understanding others.
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
Some years ago, I wrote a book called the Emperorβs New Mind and that book was describing a point of view I had about consciousness and why it was not something that comes about from complicated calculations.
Roger PenroseRead
As long as you seek for something, you will get the shadow of reality and not reality itself.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
Real action is in silent moments.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
All around me darkness gathers, Fading is the sun that shone, We must speak of other matters, You can be me when I'm gone Flowers gathered in the morning, Afternoon they blossom on, Still are withered in the evening, You can be me when I'm gone.
Neil GaimanRead
To mend our own relationship with God, regaining God's favor after having once lost it, is beyond the power of any one of us. And one must see and bow to this before one can share the biblical faith in God's grace.
J. I. PackerRead
When we speak of the morrow nothing is ever certain.
George R. R. MartinRead