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
Wealth and rank are what men desire, but unless they be obtained in the right way they may not be possessed. Poverty and obscurity are what men detest; but unless prosperity be brought about in the right way, they are not to be abandoned.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True wealth and status should be obtained ethically, or they lose their value.
This quote by Confucius emphasizes the importance of the means by which wealth and rank are acquired. It suggests that desiring these external markers of success is common among people, but if they are not attained through honorable and just actions, their possession cannot lead to true fulfillment. Similarly, while poverty and obscurity are often regarded with disdain, abandoning them must also be approached with integrity, such that prosperity should not be chased recklessly.
Themes
WealthRankProsperityIntegrityDesireObscurity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a motivational speech about achieving goals ethically.
More from Confucius
All quotes →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.
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.
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Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.
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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.
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