Thursday, June 08, 2000

The Master said: 'The wise man desires to be slow to speak but quick to act.'

Book IV, Chapter XXIV

Wednesday, June 07, 2000

When Chi Lu asked about his duty to the spirits the Master replied: 'While still unable to do your duty to the living, how can you do your duty to the dead?' When he ventured to ask about death, Confucius answered: 'Not yet understanding life, how can you understand death?'

Book XI, Chapter XI

Friday, June 02, 2000

The Master said: 'I expound nothing to him who is not earnest, nor help out anyone not anxious to express himself. When I have demonstrated one angle and he cannot bring me back the other three, then I do not repeat the lesson.'

Book VII, Chapter VIII

Thursday, June 01, 2000

Confucius in his native village bore himself with simplicity, as if he had no gifts of speech. But when in the temple or at court, he expressed himself readily and clearly, yet with a measure of reserve.

Book X, Chapter I

Wednesday, May 31, 2000

The Master said: 'Is virtue indeed afar off? I crave for virtue and lo! virtue is at hand.'

Book VII, Chapter XXIX

Friday, May 26, 2000

The Master said: 'One should not be concerned at lack of position, but should be concerned about what will fit him to occupy it. One should not be concerned at being unknown, but should seek to be worthy of being known.'

Book IV, Chapter XIV.

Thursday, May 25, 2000

The Master said: 'Let the character be formed by the poets; established by the laws of right behavior; and perfected by music.'

Book VIII, Chapter VIII.