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
Unify your attention. Do not listen with your ears, but with your mind. Do not listen with your mind but with your essence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus deeply on understanding and experiencing communication beyond surface-level listening.
This quote by Confucius emphasizes the importance of truly engaging with others, suggesting that one should listen not just physically, but with a deeper awareness and connection to the essence of the message. By unifying attention and looking past mere words, we can gain a richer understanding of both the speaker and the subject at hand.
Themes
AttentionListeningUnderstandingEssenceCommunication
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting to encourage deeper engagement.
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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