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
Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Choose friends who lift you up and inspire you to be better.
This quote by Confucius emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with friends who have positive qualities that we aspire to. It suggests that friendship should be a source of growth, where the people we choose to associate with encourage and challenge us to improve ourselves.
Themes
FriendshipGrowthInspirationSelf-Improvement
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech on personal development, one might quote Confucius to emphasize the importance of choosing the right friends.
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.
ConfuciusRead
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.
ConfuciusRead
Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.
ConfuciusRead
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.
ConfuciusRead
Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.
ConfuciusRead
Similar quotes
I thought it very touching to see these two women, coarse and shabby and beaten, so united; to see what they could be to one another; to see how they felt for one another, how the heart of each to each was softened by the hard trials of their lives. I think the best side of such people is almost hidden from us. What the poor are to the poor is little known, excepting to themselves and God.
Charles DickensRead
When you're in jail, a good friend will be trying to bail you out. A best friend will be in the cell next to you saying, 'Damn, that was fun.'
Groucho MarxRead
I've come to give you your gift back, Mordeth," Cauthon whispered. "I consider our debt paid in full.
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Honest differences of opinion should never be permitted to destroy a friendship.
Chaim PotokRead
Friendships begin with liking or gratitude- roots that can be pulled up.
George EliotRead
Insistence on truth can come into play when one party practices untruth or injustice. Only then can love be tested. True friendship is put to the test only when one party disregards the obligation of friendship.
Mahatma GandhiRead