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.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of honesty, self-control, and generosity in one's life.
Confucius suggests that by adhering to three fundamental principles—speaking the truth, maintaining composure instead of succumbing to anger, and being generous even in small acts—we can elevate ourselves spiritually and morally. This guidance serves as a path towards a virtuous life, aligning ourselves with divine qualities.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a motivational speech to encourage honesty and emotional control.
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.
An angry man is full of poison.
There's a difference [between taking a charge and flopping]. We all know what flopping is when we see it. The stuff that you see is where guys aren't really getting hit at all and are just flailing around like a fish out of water. That's kind of like, where are your balls at?
Fortune always will confer an aura of worth, unworthily; and in this world The lucky person passes for a genius.
The most peaceful thing in the world is plowing a field. Chances are you’ll do your best thinking that way. And that’s why I’ve always thought and said, farmers are the smartest people in the world, they don’t go for high hats and they can spot a phony a mile off.
These are the living springs of great thoughts and great actions. Everything grows clear in the reflections from the Infinite.
Any man may be in good spirits and good temper when he's well dressed. There ain't much credit in that.
The optimist lives on the peninsula of infinite possibilities; the pessimist is stranded on the island of perpetual indecision.
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