In order to properly understand the big picture, everyone should fear becoming mentally clouded and obsessed with one small section of truth.
Xun KuangRead
The petty man is eager to make boasts, yet desires that others should believe in him. He enthusiastically engages in deception, yet wants others to have affection for him. He conducts himself like an animal, yet wants others to think well of him.
Interpretation
The quote critiques those who seek admiration while engaging in deceitful behavior.
Xun Kuang’s quote reflects on the contradictions of human nature, highlighting how some individuals seek validation and affection from others while simultaneously acting in ways that are self-serving and dishonest. It points out the absurdity of wanting respect and love from others while behaving in a manner that is fundamentally untrustworthy and base, drawing a stark contrast between noble aspirations and ignoble actions.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a discussion on ethics in leadership.
In order to properly understand the big picture, everyone should fear becoming mentally clouded and obsessed with one small section of truth.
If there were no human nature, then there would be nothing for deliberate effort to be applied to. If there were no deliberate effort, then human nature would not be able to beautify itself.
Quarreling over food and drink, having neither scruples nor shame, not knowing right from wrong, not trying to avoid death or injury, not fearful of greater strength or of greater numbers, greedily aware only of food and drink - such is the bravery of the dog and boar.
Pride and excess bring disaster for man.
A person is born with desires of the eyes and ears, and a liking for beautiful sights and sounds. If he gives way to them, they will lead him to immorality and lack of restriction, and any ritual principles and propriety will be abandoned.
We do not draw people to Christ by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it.
The usual false conclusions of mankind are these: a thing exists, therefore it has a right to exist.
The whole drama of the world is such tragedy that I am weary of the spectacle.
And I, the former mystic, was thinking: Yes, man is stronger, greater than God. When Adam and Eve deceived You, You chased them from paradise. When You were displeased by Noah’s generation, You brought down the Flood. When Sodom lost Your favour, You caused the heavens to rain down fire and damnation. But look at these men whom You have betrayed, allowing them to be tortured, slaughtered, gassed, and burned, what do they do? They pray before You! They praise Your name!
Throw a stone into the stream and the ripples that propagate themselves are the beautiful type of all influence.
[L]iberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it, derived from our Maker. But if we had not, our fathers have earned and bought it for us, at the expense of their ease, their estates, their pleasure, and their blood.
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