The Master said, “If the noble person studies widely in cultural texts and disciplines himself with ritual propriety, he will not stray from the right path!”
Ji Kangzi asked, “Which of your disciples is most eager to learn?” Confucius replied, “There was Yan Hui, who was truly eager to learn – but unfortunately, he died young! Now there is no one like him.”
In all things, preparation leads to success; without preparation, there is failure.If one’s words are settled in advance, one will not stumble in speech;if one’s affairs are planned in advance, one will not be perplexed;if one’s actions are resolved in advance, one will not feel remorse;if one’s path is determined in advance, one will…
The Kang Gao (in the Book of Documents) says: “Be able to manifest your bright virtue.”The Tai Jia says: “Constantly reflect upon and uphold Heaven’s bright mandate.”The Di Dian (i.e., the Yao Dian) says: “Be able to illuminate your lofty and luminous virtue.” All of these point to self-illumination – making one’s own inner…
Chen Dai said to his teacher Mencius: “You refuse to visit feudal lords – it seems overly modest, even petty. If you’d just go see one once, at best you could implement the Kingly Way; at least, you might help him achieve hegemony. And as the old saying goes: ‘Bend one chi (about a…
4.7 The Master said, “People’s faults vary according to their kind. By observing their faults, one comes to understand their humanity.”