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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.”
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Zigong said, “Suppose there is a fine jade here – should we keep it stored away in a case, or should we look for a good buyer and sell it?” Confucius replied, “Sell it! Sell it! I am waiting for the right buyer.”
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Mencius said: “There are three forms of unfilial conduct, and the gravest is having no descendants.Shun married without informing his parents precisely to avoid this greatest unfilial act.Therefore, the noble person considers it as if he had informed them.”
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5.20 Ji Wen used to think thrice before acting. The Master hearing of it said, “Twice is quite enough.”
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5.14 When Zilu heard any precept and was still trying unsuccessfully to put it into practice, his one fear was that he might hear some fresh precept.
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4.24 The Master said, “A gentleman covets the reputation of being slow in word but prompt in deed.”
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4.22 The Master said,”In old days a man kept a hold on his words, fearing the disgrace that would ensue should he himself fail to keep pace with them.”