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It is not that I, Han Fei, find speaking difficult in itself. The true difficulty lies in this: If my words are smooth‑flowing, elegant and elaborate, I am deemed flashy yet insubstantial. If I am sincere, respectful, upright and prudent, I am considered clumsy and illogical. If I speak extensively with numerous citations and…
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The Master said, “A person of virtue will surely have meaningful words; but one who has words is not necessarily virtuous. A humane (benevolent) person will surely possess courage; but a courageous person is not necessarily humane.”
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Among Confucius’s disciples, each excelled in different areas: Yan Yuan, Min Ziqian, Ran Boniu, and Zhong Gong stood out in moral character; Zai Wo and Zi Gong were gifted in speech (diplomatic eloquence and debate); Ran You and Ji Lu (Zilu) were skilled in state affairs; and Zi You and Zi Xia excelled in…