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
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True strength lies in one's actions rather than words.
This quote by Confucius suggests that a person of true superiority is humble and restrained in their speech, showing that they prioritize action over empty talk. It emphasizes the value of demonstrating one's capabilities through deeds rather than boasting or making promises, indicating that actions speak louder than words and truly define a person's character.
Themes
ActionsHumilitySpeechSuperiorityConfucius
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is a perfect reminder for a team meeting where results should be emphasized over mere discussions.
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
Greater in battle_x000D_ than the man who would conquer_x000D_ a thousand-thousand men,_x000D_ is he who would conquer_x000D_ just one β_x000D_ himself._x000D_ Better to conquer yourself_x000D_ than others._x000D_ When you've trained yourself,_x000D_ living in constant self-control,_x000D_ neither a deva nor gandhabba,_x000D_ nor a Mara banded with Brahmas,_x000D_ could turn that triumph_x000D_ back into defeat.
Gautama BuddhaRead
Mankind is notoriously too dense to read the signs that God sends from time to time. We require drums to be beaten into our ears, before we should wake from our trance and hear the warning and see that to lose oneself in all, is the only way to find oneself.
Mahatma GandhiRead
Almost all rich veins of original and striking speculation have been opened by systematic half-thinkers.
John Stuart MillRead
None of us is perfect. There was only one perfect man who ever walked the earth, and He was the Son of God. We all have weaknesses and I guess we all make mistakes and will make mistakes in the future, but look for the virtues, the strengths, the goodness in those with whom you labor, and draw those characteristics into your own lives and make them a part of yourselves, and you will be the richer for it all the days that you live.
Gordon B. HinckleyRead
It is with disease of the mind, as with those of the body; we are half dead before we understand our disorder, and half cured when we do.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
What is to give light must endure burning.
Viktor E. FranklRead