"To show forbearance and gentleness in teaching others; and not to revenge unreasonable conduct — this is the energy of southern regions, and the good man makes it his study. To lie under arms; and meet death without regret — this is the energy of northern regions, and the forceful make it their study. Therefore, the superior man cultivates a friendly harmony, without being weak — How firm is he in his energy! He stands erect in the middle, without inclining to either side — How firm is he in his energy! When good principles prevail in the government of his country, he does not change from what he was in retirement. How firm is he in his energy! When bad principles prevail in the country, he maintains his course to death without changing — How firm is he in his energy! watchful over himself, when he is alone."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Confucius, '
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Junzi
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Junzi
37 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Junzi →
Related Quotes
"The superior man accords with the course of the Mean. Though he may be all unknown, unregarded by the world, he feels…"
"Thus in fear and trembling The superior man sets his life in order And examines himself."
"What Heaven has conferred is called The Nature; an accordance with this nature is called The Path of duty; the regula…"
"There is nothing more visible than what is secret, and nothing more manifest than what is minute. Therefore the super…"
"Thus the superior man: If he sees good, he imitates it; If he has faults, he rids himself of them."
"The superior man encourages the people at their work, And exhorts them to help one another."
"Thus the superior man controls his anger And restrains his instincts."
"The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell."
"The superior man discusses criminal cases In order to delay executions."
"Thus the superior man Understands the transitory In the light of the eternity of the end."