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
If a man is respectful he will not be treated with insolence. If he is tolerant he will win the multitude. If he is trustworthy in word his fellow men will entrust him with responsibility. If he is quick he will achieve results.
Interpretation
Respect, tolerance, trustworthiness, and quickness lead to positive interactions and success.
This quote by Confucius emphasizes the importance of personal virtues in achieving success and maintaining healthy relationships. It suggests that by embodying traits such as respect, tolerance, trustworthiness, and efficiency, an individual can foster positive connections with others and earn their trust and admiration, ultimately leading to favorable outcomes in both personal and professional aspects of life.
In practice
Using this quote in a leadership seminar to highlight the importance of personal virtues.
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.
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.
At the root of all the harm we cause is ignorance.
Almost every man wastes part of his life attempting to display qualities which he does not possess.
It take many a year, mon, and maybe some bloodshed must be, but righteousness someday prevail.
Nobody can give you wiser advice than yourself.
Self-denial is the test and definition of self-government.
Experiment with this a little. During these days that you are here with me, don't nourish any desire for happiness, and then see how your heart becomes filled with happiness. Don't have any desire for peace, and see how the turmoil within you vanishes. Don't beg for contentment and see how contentment showers down on you. Please try this - only then will you understand.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.