When your good reputation goes hand in hand with your high morals, you should not treat these achievements exclusively as your own, but share them with others.
That way you preserve yourself from distant dangers. Shameful conduct and unsavoury reputation should not be foisted off entirely onto others, but some should be taken on your own shoulders. That way you can hide your capacities and cultivate your virtue.
完名美节不宜独任，分些与人可以远害全身；辱行污名，不宜全推，引些归己可以韬光养德。
Notes
Humility and Shared Honor
In success, humility is paramount. Sharing credit fosters harmony, mitigates envy, and safeguards oneself. This embodies the Confucian “Doctrine of the Mean”, prioritizing collective balance over personal glory.
Courage in Accountability
When confronted with failure, owning responsibility reflects maturity and integrity. Evading blame erodes trust. Earnest self-reflection preserves dignity and paves the way for growth.
Wisdom of Self-Effacement
Strategic restraint — concealing one’s brilliance amid adversity — enables long-term resilience. Aligning with traditional philosophy, this teaches tempering visibility to await opportune moments.
Moral Cultivation as Foundation
True worth lies not in external accolades but in inner purity. Handling honor and disgrace with ethical grace fosters personal growth and earns enduring respect.
Leave a Reply