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
Just as lavishness leads easily to presumption, so does frugality to meanness. But meanness is a far less serious fault than presumption.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Excessive extravagance can lead to arrogance, while being overly frugal can result in stinginess; however, being mean is a lesser flaw than being presumptuous.
In this quote, Confucius highlights the dangers of two extremes: lavishness and frugality. He warns that indulgence and extravagance can produce a sense of superiority and entitlement, while being excessively frugal can lead to a lack of generosity and compassion. However, he asserts that while both traits can be problematic, the act of being presumptuous is a more serious moral failing than simply being mean. This insight emphasizes the importance of balance and moderation in one's behavior and attitudes.
Themes
LavishnessPresumptionFrugalityMeannessBalance
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about personal finance, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of balance in spending.
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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