To feed men and not to love them is to treat them as if they were barnyard cattle. To love them and not respect them is to treat them as if they were household pets.
MenciusRead
Truth uttered before its time is dangerous.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Speaking the truth at the wrong time can have harmful consequences.
This quote highlights the importance of timing when it comes to expressing the truth. Mencius suggests that while truth is valuable, revealing it prematurely can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, or even danger, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of both the message and the moment when sharing it.
Themes
TruthTimingWisdomCommunicationDanger
In practice
Example use cases
In a workshop on effective communication, this quote can be used to discuss the importance of choosing the right moment to share difficult truths.
More from Mencius
All quotes βIf the King loves music, it is well with the land.
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Let not a man do what his sense of right bids him not to do, nor desire what it forbids him to desire. This is sufficient. The skillful artist will not alter his measures for the sake of a stupid workman.
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I dislike death, however, there are some things I dislike more than death. Therefore, there are times when I will not avoid danger.
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Every duty is a charge, but the charge of oneself is the root of all others.
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Where it is permissible both to die and not to die, it is an abuse of valour to die.
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