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 superior man, even when he is not moving, has a feeling of reverence, and while he speaks not, he has the feeling of truthfulness.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A superior person embodies reverence and truthfulness in their being, even in silence.
This quote emphasizes the qualities of a superior man, suggesting that true greatness is reflected not just in actions or words but also in one's inner disposition. Even when inactive or silent, a person of high character carries a sense of respect and honesty, demonstrating that true integrity comes from within and is felt by others.
Themes
ReverenceTruthfulnessCharacterIntegrityPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a leadership workshop to highlight the importance of character.
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
Iβve worked in an economy that rewards someone who saves the lives of others on a battlefield with a medal, rewards a great teacher with thank-you notes from parents, but rewards those who can detect the mispricing of securities with sums reaching into the billions.
Warren BuffettRead
Wonder has no opposite; it springs up already doubled in itself, compounded of dread and desire at once, attraction and recoil, producing a thrill, the shudder of pleasure and of fear.
Marina WarnerRead
The perfect man of old looked after himself first before looking to help others.
ZhuangziRead
My mother's death put me in touch with my most savage self. As I've grown up and come to terms with her death and accepted it, the pieces of her that I keep don't exist materially.
Cheryl StrayedRead
Standing alone among great democratic nations in imposing the death penalty is another moral decision that Americansare being forced to confront.
Jimmy CarterRead
It seems to me that I have always existed and that I possess memories that date back to the Pharaohs.
Gustave FlaubertRead