• The Analects – Chapter 14.37

    The Master said, “The most virtuous withdraw from the world entirely; the next withdraw from a particular state; the next avoid disrespectful looks; and the next avoid offensive words.”The Master added, “There have already been seven such people.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.35

    The Master sighed, “No one truly understands me!”Zigong asked, “Why is it that no one understands you?”The Master replied, “I do not blame Heaven, nor do I resent others. I study what is below and thereby penetrate what is above. Perhaps only Heaven truly understands me!”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.34

    Someone asked, “What about repaying resentment with virtue?”The Master replied, “Then what would you use to repay virtue? Repay resentment with uprightness, and repay virtue with virtue.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.36

    Gongboliu slandered Zilu before Ji Sun. Zifu Jingbo informed Confucius, saying, “Ji Sun has indeed been misled by Gongboliu, but with my influence, I could still have Gongboliu executed and his body exposed in the marketplace.”The Master replied, “Will the Way prevail? It is a matter of Heaven’s Mandate. Will the Way be abandoned?…

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.33

    The Master said, “A thoroughbred horse is praised not for its strength, but for its virtue.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.32

    Weisheng Mu said to Confucius, “Qiu, why are you so restless and constantly traveling from place to place? Could it be that you’re trying to win favor through glib talk?”Confucius replied, “I dare not resort to glibness; I simply detest obstinacy.”