The Master said, “If a gentleman is frivolous, he will lose the respect of his inferiors and lack firm ground upon which to build up his education. First and foremost he must learn to be faithful to his superiors, to keep promises, to refuse the friendship of all who are not faithful or trustworthy. And if he finds he has made a mistake, then he must not be afraid of admitting the fact and amending his ways.”
子曰：「君子不重則不威，學則不固。主忠信，無友不如己者，過則勿憚改。」
Notes
The essence of this passage from the Analects lies in: “Establish yourself with dignity, navigate the world with loyalty and trustworthiness, advance through virtuous friendships, and cultivate character by correcting faults.” Confucius’ requirements for the noble person never detach from human reality. Acknowledging human limitations and flaws, he provides a practical path for growth.
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