It is better to incur hatred by one’s upright conduct than to please others by perverting your morals.
It is better to incur slander by refraining from evil deeds than to earn praise by unjust behaviour.
曲意而使人喜，不若直躬而使人忌；无善而致人誉，不若无恶而致人毁。
Notes
False Pleasing vs. True Integrity
Feigned compliance wins fleeting approval; uprightness builds lasting respect—even when it provokes resentment.
Hollow Fame vs. Solid Innocence
Unearned acclaim becomes a cage; bearing unjust blame while blameless is a badge of honor.
Ultimate Wisdom
This text from Cai Gen Tan – Tending the roots of wisdom reveals that true worth lies in being, not seeming:
- Better hated for who you are than loved for who you pretend to be.
- Better blamed unjustly than praised deceitfully.
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