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
Expect much from yourself and little from others and you will avoid incurring resentments
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on your own expectations and efforts rather than relying on others, which helps prevent disappointment.
This quote by Confucius emphasizes the importance of setting high standards for oneself while maintaining low expectations for others. By doing so, one can cultivate personal growth and contentment, reducing feelings of resentment that often arise from unmet expectations in relationships with others. It encourages self-reliance and a proactive approach to personal development, highlighting the significance of internal rather than external validation.
Themes
ExpectationsSelfResentmentPersonal GrowthSelf-Reliance
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech, to inspire the audience to focus on their self-improvement.
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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