To feed men and not to love them is to treat them as if they were barnyard cattle. To love them and not respect them is to treat them as if they were household pets.
MenciusRead
Let not a man do what his sense of right bids him not to do, nor desire what it forbids him to desire. This is sufficient. The skillful artist will not alter his measures for the sake of a stupid workman.
Interpretation
What this quote means
One should adhere to their moral principles and integrity, regardless of external pressures.
This quote emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's sense of right and wrong, suggesting that personal integrity should guide one's actions and desires. It further illustrates that true skill and artistry are not contingent upon the opinions or incompetence of others, implying that one must maintain their standards and not compromise their values for those who lack understanding or capability.
Themes
IntegrityMoralityValuesArtistrySelf-Discipline
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech about ethics in business.
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