Living in Benevolence

Confucius said:
"A person’s true worth lies in dwelling in the realm of benevolence (ren). If one chooses to dwell where benevolence is absent, how can they be called wise?"

 

Confucius said:
"Those without virtue (ren) cannot endure poverty for long, nor can they sustain prosperity. The benevolent find peace in the Way of virtue; the wise practice it because they recognize its enduring benefits."

 

Confucius said:
"Only the truly virtuous can love what deserves love and hate what deserves hatred."

 

Confucius said:
"If one sets their heart on benevolence, they will commit no evil."

 

Confucius said:
"Wealth and status are what all desire, but if gained unjustly, they should not be kept. Poverty and obscurity are what all detest, but if escaped through unjust means, one should refuse to escape. How can a noble person (junzi) be called noble if they abandon virtue? The noble never stray from benevolence—not even for a meal. In haste or turmoil, they remain steadfast in virtue."

 

Confucius said:
"I have never met one who truly loves virtue or hates its absence. To love virtue is supreme; to hate its absence is to practice it merely to avoid contamination. Is there anyone who dedicates a single day to virtue? I have yet to see one whose strength falls short. Such people may exist, but I have not seen them."

 

Confucius said:
"People’s mistakes reveal their character. Observe their errors, and you will know their nature."

 

Confucius said:
"If one learns the truth in the morning, they may die that evening without regret."

 

Confucius said:
"A scholar who claims to pursue truth yet shames ragged clothes and coarse food is unworthy of discussion."

 

Confucius said:
"The noble person (junzi) acts not by rigid rules but by what is fitting."

 

Confucius said:
"The noble dwell on virtue; the petty dwell on trivial comforts. The noble uphold laws; the petty scheme for profit."

 

Confucius said:
"To act for selfish gain invites resentment."

 

Confucius said:
"Can a state be governed through ritual deference (li rang)? What difficulty is there? If ritual deference is abandoned, how can ritual (li) itself endure?"

 

Confucius said:
"Do not crave position; strive to deserve it. Do not worry about being unknown; strive to be worthy of recognition."

 

Confucius said to Zengzi:
"My teachings are bound by one thread." Zengzi agreed. When asked later, Zengzi replied, "The Master’s Way is loyalty (zhong) and reciprocity (shu)."

 

Confucius said:
"The noble understand righteousness; the petty understand profit."

 

Confucius said:
"When you meet the worthy, emulate them. When you meet the unworthy, reflect on your own flaws."

 

Confucius said:
"Serve your parents with gentle admonition. If they refuse your counsel, remain reverent and unresentful in your service."

 

Confucius said:
"Do not wander far while your parents live. If you must travel, keep them informed."

 

Confucius said:
"To uphold your father’s ways long after his death—this is true filial piety."

 

Confucius said:
"Know your parents’ age: rejoice in their longevity, yet tremble at their aging."

 

Confucius said:
"The ancients spoke cautiously, ashamed to fall short of their words."

 

Confucius said:
"Discipline yourself with ritual (li), and errors will be few."

 

Confucius said:
"The noble speak with care and act with diligence."

 

Confucius said:
"The virtuous are never alone; they attract kindred spirits."

 

Ziyou said:
"To linger too often by a ruler’s side invites disgrace; to admonish friends too often invites estrangement."

 

Living in Benevolence's Pictures