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
To those whose talents are above mediocrity, the highest subjects may be announced. To those who are below mediocrity, the highest subjects may not be announced.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Talented individuals are recognized for their ability to grasp complex subjects, while those with lesser talent may not be exposed to such topics.
This quote by Confucius highlights the idea that the level of oneβs talent and ability to understand complex subjects can dictate what knowledge and opportunities are presented to them. Those who demonstrate exceptional talents are encouraged with advanced topics that match their capabilities, while those who do not possess such talents might be shielded from higher-level discussions, suggesting that education and opportunity often depend on one's recognized abilities.
Themes
TalentEducationOpportunityMediorityKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about educational reform, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of recognizing and nurturing gifted students.
More from Confucius
All quotes βEarnest 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.
ConfuciusRead
Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.
ConfuciusRead
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.
ConfuciusRead
Similar quotes
Everything you do is right, nothing you do is wrong, yet you must still make ceaseless effort.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
As soon as you hear a proposition, the creative brain in humans assumes for the moment that it's true, and starts trying to find evidence. It's what computer scientists in the old days used to call 'Fifo:' first in, first out. The first piece of information that gets in has a privileged position, even if it's misinformation.
Daniel LevitinRead
There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.
Malcolm XRead
Wherever smart people work, doors are unlocked.
Steve WozniakRead
Well, I don't know as I want a lawyer to tell me what I cannot do. I hire him to tell how to do what I want to do.
J. P. MorganRead
I think a lot of people, even Christians, are willing to be satisfied with gaining lots and lots of biblical knowledge - and many people go to Bible studies and don't realize it isn't enough to know what's right, it's applying the information and the knowledge that you have.
Charles StanleyRead