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The Master said, “The noble person seeks from himself; the petty person seeks from others.”
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While in Chen, Confucius and his followers ran out of food. His disciples fell ill from hunger and could not get up. Zilu, visibly angry, came to see him and asked, “Can even a noble person (junzi) fall into such desperate straits?”The Master replied, “The noble person steadfastly endures poverty; when the petty person…
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Zilu asked about governance. The Master said, “Lead by example, and then ask the people to work hard.”Zilu asked for more guidance. The Master said, “Never grow weary.”
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When getting into a carriage, Confucius always stood upright and firmly grasped the mounting strap. While inside the carriage, he never looked back over his shoulder, did not speak loudly, and never pointed with his finger.
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When Confucius entered the ducal gate, he bowed deeply as if there were no room for him. He never stood in the center of the doorway, nor did he step on the threshold. Passing by the ruler’s seat, his expression instantly became solemn, his steps quickened, and his speech grew hushed, as though he…
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Confucius said, “There are cases where sprouts appear but no blossoms; there are cases where blossoms appear but no fruit!”