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
Virtuous people often revenge themselves for the constraints to which they submit by the boredom which they inspire.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Virtuous individuals may respond to their self-imposed restrictions by making others feel uninteresting or bored.
This quote by Confucius suggests that those who adhere to moral and virtuous principles may feel confined by their values and choose to cope with this by making others feel dull or unengaging. It reflects on the paradox that virtuous behavior can sometimes lead to negative social dynamics, where the virtuous individual inadvertently causes boredom in others as a form of revenge for their own sense of constraint.
Themes
VirtueBoredomRestraintRevengeSocial Dynamics
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the nature of virtue and its societal impacts, this quote could illustrate how good intentions can lead to unintended social consequences.
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.
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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.
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Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.
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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.
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Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.
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