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
Those who know the TRUTH are not equal to those who love it.
Interpretation
Understanding the truth is different from having a deep appreciation for it.
This quote by Confucius suggests that there is a significant difference between merely possessing knowledge of the truth and truly valuing or loving that truth. It implies that those who cherish and seek the truth go beyond just intellectual acknowledgment; they engage with it on a deeper, emotional or moral level, which can lead to personal growth and wisdom.
In practice
This quote can serve as a thought for reflection during a philosophy discussion.
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.
A man's own good breeding is the best security against other people's ill manners.
"I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in drawing your inferences."
There are men too superior to be seen except by a few, as there are notes too high for the scale of most ears.
There is no one, says another, whom fortune does not visit once in his life; but when she does not find him ready to receive her, she walks in at the door, and flies out at the window.
Emotions are a source of power, and that's what science tells us. But many people I encounter have been led to think of emotions as a source of weakness.
If you would stop, really stop, damning yourself, others, and unkind conditions, you would find it almost impossible to upset yourself emotionally - about anything. Yes, anything.
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