The Master said, “Do not worry that others do not understand you; worry that you lack ability.”
Zigong was fond of criticizing others. The Master said, “Ci (Zigong), are you already so virtuous? As for me, I have no time for that.”
The Master said, “There are three qualities of the noble person’s Way, none of which I have been able to attain: the benevolent are free from anxiety, the wise are free from perplexity, and the courageous are free from fear.”Zigong replied, “This is precisely a description of yourself, Master!”
The Master said, “The noble person is ashamed when his words exceed his actions.”
Qu Boyu sent an envoy to Confucius. Confucius invited him to sit and asked, “What is your master doing these days?”The envoy replied, “My master wishes to reduce his faults, but feels he has not yet succeeded.”After the envoy left, Confucius exclaimed, “What an excellent envoy! What an excellent envoy!”
The Master said, “In ancient times, scholars studied to cultivate themselves; nowadays, scholars study to impress others.”
The Master said, “The noble person aspires upward toward the Way, virtue, and heavenly principle; the petty person sinks downward toward private gain, desire, and trivial concerns.”
Zilu asked how to serve a ruler. The Master said, “Do not deceive him, but dare to remonstrate with him openly – even if it offends him.”