The Master said, "The gentlemen helps others to effect what is good; he does not help them to effect what is bad. The small man does the opposite." - Book 12, verse 16
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Zi-zhang asked, "What must a Gentleman be like before he can be said to have got through?"
The Master said, "What on earth do you mean by getting through?"
Zi-zhang answered, "What I have in mind is a man who is sure to be known whether he serves in a state or in a noble family."
The Master said, "That is being known, not getting through. Now the term 'getting through' describes a man who is straight by nature and fond of what is right, sensitive to other people's words and observant of the expression on their faces, and always mindful of being modest. Such a man is bound to get through whether he serves in a state or in a noble family.
"On the other hand, the term 'being known' describes a man who has no misgivings about his own claim to benevolence when all he is doing is putting up a facade of benevolence which is belied by his deeds. Such a man is sure to be known, whether he serves in a state or in a noble family." - Book 12, verse 20
Saturday, February 19, 2011
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