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…
An ode says: “The blossoms of the tang-di tree flutter back and forth. How could I not long for you? It’s just that my home is far from yours.” Confucius commented, “If one truly longed, one would have already acted – how could distance ever be a barrier?”
Confucius said, “When one hears stern, principled words that accord with ritual and righteousness, can one fail to obey? But what matters is genuinely correcting oneself. When one hears gentle, agreeable words of guidance, can one fail to feel pleased? But what matters is carefully reflecting on their meaning. If one merely feels pleased…
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 Master said:“Loving learning brings one near to wisdom;exerting oneself in practice brings one near to benevolence;knowing shame brings one near to courage.”
Duke Ai asked about governance.The Master said:“The policies of Kings Wen and Wu are recorded in books and documents.Yet, when the right people are present, their policies flourish;when those people are gone, their policies cease.”