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.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of honesty, self-control, and generosity in one's life.
Confucius suggests that by adhering to three fundamental principles—speaking the truth, maintaining composure instead of succumbing to anger, and being generous even in small acts—we can elevate ourselves spiritually and morally. This guidance serves as a path towards a virtuous life, aligning ourselves with divine qualities.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a motivational speech to encourage honesty and emotional control.
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.
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.
Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.
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.
Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.
An angry man is full of poison.
Never let yourself think that because God has given you many things to do for Himpressing routine jobs, a life full up with duties and demands of a very practical sort---that all these need separate you from communion with Him. God is always coming to you in the Sacrament of the Present Moment. Meet and receive Him there with gratitude in that sacrament; however unexpected its outward form may be receive Him in every sight and sound, joy, pain, opportunity and sacrifice.
Authority without wisdom is like a heavy ax without an edge -- fitter to bruise than polish.
Jessica stopped beside him, said: 'What delicious abandon in the sleep of a child.' He spoke mechanically: 'If only adults could relax like that.' 'Yes.' 'Where do we lose it?' he murmured. 'We do, indeed, lose something,' she said.
A hair shirt does not always render those chaste who wear it.
Not biology, but ignorance of ourselves, has been the key to our powerlessness
For an idea which, at first, does not seem absurd, there is no hope.
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