Confucius’ famous sayings about morality and their translations

Be sensitive to things but cautious in speaking

Confucius’ famous sayings. The words come from "The Analects of Confucius·Xueer": "Confucius said: 'A gentleman has nothing to eat to satisfy himself, and a place to live without seeking peace of mind. He is quick to do things but cautious in speaking.'" Also in "The Analects of Confucius·Li Ren": "A gentleman wants to be slow in speaking but is sensitive to speech." Yu Xing". The meaning is the same. It means to be diligent and quick in doing things, but cautious in speaking. Zhu Xi's note: "Those who are quick to do things will do what they can't do. Those who are cautious in speaking will not dare to use up all the rest." (Analects of Confucius) Another explanation: "Things are difficult to do, so you must be quick; words are easy to say, Therefore, we must be cautious." (Volume 22 of "Zhu Zi Yu Lei") In addition, there are Confucius' words in "Xunzi·Zidao", "Hanshi Waizhuan", "Shuoyuan·Miscellaneous Words" and other chapters, "Be cautious when speaking." Wow" record.

Learn and practice from time to time

Confucius’ famous sayings. The words come from "The Analects of Confucius·Xueer": "Confucius said: 'Learn and practice it from time to time, isn't it also said to be (pleasant)?'" Wang Su noted: "Recite and practice it from time to time, learning will not waste your work, so it is joyful." Wang Shi's "learning" and "xi" have the same meaning, which seems to refer specifically to recitation. However, Confucius taught people to learn the "six arts", including etiquette, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics. "Recitation" is only "one end" (see Liu Baonan's "The Analects of Justice"). Huang Kanshu "Shi Xi" said: "Every study has three seasons." One refers to the year, the second refers to the season, and the third refers to the morning and evening. The contemporary Jiang Boqian believed that "learning is to know the new, and learning is to review the past" ("Introduction to the Thirteen Classics").

Learning without thinking will lead to failure; thinking without learning will lead to peril

Confucius’ famous saying. The words come from "The Analects of Confucius·Wei Zheng": "Confucius said: 'Learning without thinking means losing sight; thinking without learning leads to peril.'" "Wang" means confusion. Zheng Xuan's note: 罔, still 罔罔 ignorant of appearance. "Peril" has two meanings: one is critical, which means uncertainty. One is fatigue, and the spirit is exhausted and there is no gain. When solved in the past. This sentence can be combined with the chapter "Reviewing the past and learning the new". Yang Shuda, a recent scholar, notes: "Those who review the past but cannot learn the new are learning without thinking; those who do not review the past but want to know the new are thinking without learning." ("The Analects of Confucius") Confucius first advocated paying equal attention to learning and thinking, and he expressed his views on Confucius It has a profound influence on my disciples. For example, Zixia talks about learning and thinking carefully and "The Doctrine of the Mean" talks about learning and thinking carefully, both of which believe that learning and thinking cannot be neglected.

A person without faith does not know what he is capable of

Confucius’ famous saying. The words come from "The Analects of Confucius·Wei Zheng" "Confucius said: 'If a person has no faith, he does not know what is possible.'" Zheng Xuan notes: "He who does not know what is possible means that his words cannot be implemented." Kong Anguo's note: "If you don't believe what you say, the rest will be useless." Zhu Xi said: "If a person has no true sincerity, everything he says is false." (Volume 24 of "Zhu Zi Yu Lei") The contemporary Jiang Boqian distinguished between trust and belief in two meanings: "What you say must be true; what you say must be fulfilled." ("Yu Yi Guang Jie") Confucius and later Confucian scholars attached great importance to trust, and "loyalty in words and sincerity in deeds" ("The Analects of Confucius, Duke Wei Linggong") was the Confucian principle of life.

Be slow in words but quick in deeds

Confucius’ famous saying. The words come from "The Analects of Confucius: Li Ren": "Confucius said: 'A gentleman wants to be slow in words and quick in deeds'". Bao Xian's note: "Nause means slowness. The desire to speak is slow and the desire to act is fast." Zhu Xi quoted Xie Liangzuo's note: "It is easy to speak, so the desire is slow; it is difficult to act hard, so the desire is quick." There are many synonyms in the Analects. Sentences: "Be careful what you say, and you will have few regrets" ("Wei Zheng"), "The ancients could not say what they said, and they were ashamed to bow without catching it" ("Li Ren"), "A gentleman is ashamed of his words and goes beyond his actions" ( "Xian Wen"), etc., can all reflect Confucius' consistent thought of emphasizing conduct and caution in speech. See "Be sensitive to things but cautious in speaking."

Virtue is never alone, it must have neighbors

Confucius’ famous saying. The words come from "The Analects of Confucius·Li Ren": "Confucius said: 'Virtue is not alone, it must have neighbors.

Listen to his words and observe his actions

Confucius' famous sayings. The words come from "The Analects of Confucius· "Gongye Chang": "Zai Yu day and night. Confucius said: 'Rotten wood cannot be carved, nor can a wall of dung be made flat. Why should I be punished?’ The Master said, ‘In the beginning I gave to others, listening to their words and believing in their deeds. ’” "Shuo Yuan Zun Xian" records that Confucius said: "The way to learn from others is to observe their words and then observe their actions... Therefore, first observe their words and then observe their actions." ""The Book of Rites of Dadai: The Virtues of the Five Emperors": "The Master said: 'I want to win people by their words, and then change them. '" This is the meaning of this chapter.

He is keen and eager to learn, and he is not ashamed to ask questions

Confucius's famous saying. The words come from "The Analects of Confucius·Gongye Chang": "Zigong asked: 'Why is Confucius Wenzi so famous? What is called literature? Confucius said: "Smart and eager to learn, and not ashamed to ask questions. This is why we call it literature." ’” Kong Wenzi, Doctor Wei. “Wen” is his posthumous title. Zhu Xi’s note: “Ordinary people are quick to learn but are slow to learn, and those in high positions are often ashamed to ask questions from their subordinates. Therefore, the posthumous law has someone who writes "diligently learns and loves to ask questions", which is also difficult for people. "("The Analects of Confucius") also said: "The ancients' posthumous methods were very lenient", "Confucius is certainly not good, but this benefit is only due to the fact that he can learn quickly and ask questions, which is also its advantage." This shows that Confucius is "broad-minded and big-hearted" "Because of the degree of restraint, one should be lenient with responsibility" (Volume 29 of "Zhu Zi Yu Lei").

Being gentle and polite is a gentleman

Confucius's famous saying comes from "The Analects of Confucius·Yong Ye": "Zi Said: 'If quality is better than literature, then you will be wild; if literature is better than quality, you will be history; if literature is better than quality, then you will be a gentleman'. "According to the meaning of the word, wen, literary talent; quality, simplicity; politeness, half-mixed appearance. Zhu Xi's "Analects of Confucius" of the Southern Song Dynasty: "A scholar of eloquence should make up for his shortcomings when he has more than he has lost. As for becoming virtuous, it will happen unexpectedly." Qing Dynasty Liu Baonan's "Analects of Justice": "Etiquette has both quality and writing. The pledger is the foundation. Etiquette cannot be established without foundation, and it cannot be practiced without writing. If it can be established and practiced, this is what it means. "When Confucius said "wen", it refers to the external expression of conformity to propriety; "quality" refers to the inner benevolence. Only with the inner character of "benevolence" and at the same time able to express it in conformity with "propriety" can one become " Gentleman".

The relationship between literature and quality is the relationship between propriety and benevolence. One of these embodies the ideal personality of the "gentleman" that Confucius strives to promote; the other reflects his consistent thought of the mean: that is, he does not advocate partiality over literature, nor does he advocate partiality over quality; when he is impartial, he should be impartial. It is not easy to do both, but it is not easy to do it to the extreme. "The Master said: 'The quality of Yu and Xia is equal to the writing of Yin and Zhou. The writing of Yu and Xia is not as good as its quality; the quality of Yin and Zhou is not as good as its writing. How can it be said that the quality of writing is right?" (Book of Rites· Notes")

Respect ghosts and gods and keep them at a distance

Confucius' famous saying. The words come from "The Analects of Confucius·Yong Ye": "Fan Chi asked Zhi, and Confucius said: 'The meaning of serving the people is to respect ghosts and gods and keep them at a distance. This can be said to be known.'" Zhu Xi's note: "Concentrate your efforts on what is appropriate for humanity, and do not be confused by the unknowable things of ghosts and gods. It is the work of those who know." ("Analects of Confucius") Liu Baonan of the Qing Dynasty interpreted this sentence as: "It is said to serve ghosts and gods with courtesy." ("The Analects of Confucius"). "Book of Rites·Biaoji": "Confucius said: 'Xia Dao respects orders, serves ghosts, respects gods and keeps them at a distance, stays close to people but is loyal; people of Yin respect gods, lead the people to serve gods, put ghosts first and then etiquette; people of Zhou respect etiquette and give gifts, and serve others Ghosts respect gods and stay away from them, and stay loyal to others." Combining the above words of Confucius to Fan Chi, it can be seen that Confucius held a different view of ghosts and gods from the Xia merchants, and taught Fan Chi to follow Zhou Dao. On the premise of acknowledging the existence of ghosts and gods, Confucius also proposed that ghosts and gods should not be looked down upon nor should they be close to them. This is contrary to his emphasis on human affairs before ghosts and gods in daily life and social activities ("The Analects of Confucius·Advanced": "Ji Lu asked about ghosts and gods, Confucius said: 'If you fail to serve people, how can you serve ghosts?'") is consistent with the attitude.

If you already want to establish, you will establish others; if you already want to achieve, you will reach others

Confucius’ famous saying. From "The Analects of Confucius·Yongye", Confucius answered Zigong's question about benevolence and said: "A benevolent person, if he wants to establish himself, he will establish others, and if he wants to reach himself, he will help others. If he can draw examples from close friends, this can be said to be the way of benevolence." Zhu Xi's Annotations to the Analects of Confucius : "It is the heart of a benevolent person to treat oneself and others. Looking at it here, you can see that the laws of heaven are flowing around without any idleness." Ruan Yuan of the Qing Dynasty's "Sutra Study Room Collection": "Being tireless of doing it means establishing oneself and achieving one's own goals; being tireless in teaching others , To establish a person is to be successful. To be successful is to achieve success at the age of thirty; to be successful is to be successful in the country, and to be successful at home." This sentence is like saying that if you want to stand still, you must do it. If others can stand firm, if you want everything to work for you, you should also make everything work for others. This embodies the "Tao of Sui" advocated by Confucius, that is, the practical approach and method of "Benevolence". To imitate others to achieve what one wants, is the high standard of "Sui", that is, to practice "Benevolence" in a positive sense. "The low standard is to treat others with what you dislike and not do it to others, that is, practice "benevolence" in a negative sense (see "The Analects of Confucius·Yan Yuan": Don't do to others what you don't want others to do to you), treat yourself with kindness and others, observe yourself and know others , that is, recognizing the value of others and caring about the survival and development of others, which reflects the humanitarian characteristics of Confucius' thought from another aspect.

Relate without writing, believe but love the past

Confucius’ famous saying. The words come from "The Analects of Confucius·Shuer": "Confucius said: 'Rescribe without writing, believe in the past and love the past, and compare it to me, Lao Peng'." "Hanshu·Rulin Biography": Confucius "investigates ancient and modern texts" Narrating "Books", saying "Yue", discussing "Poetry", Yin Lu's "Spring and Autumn", and reading "Yi" are all based on the things of recent saints to establish the teachings of the ancestors. Therefore, it is said that 'state without writing, believe and be good' antiquity'". Zhu Xi's Annotations to the Analects of Confucius: "Confucius deleted the "Poems", "Books", Dingli, Yue, praised the "Book of Changes", and revised the "Spring and Autumn", all of which were passed down from the past kings, but he did not do anything." This sentence means to pass down old chapters without creating them, and to both remember and like ancient culture. "Not making" and "loving the past" are Confucius's summary of his lifelong teaching and academic research career. They also reflect his principles of organizing historical and cultural heritage and his basic attitude towards ancient culture. As for the so-called "not doing", Zhu Xi believed that Confucius "even though he described what he did, the effect was twice as great as doing it" (ibid.). Later generations of scholars believed that Confucius actually wrote as well as stated.

His body is upright and he does not follow orders

Confucius’ famous saying. The words come from "The Analects of Confucius·Zilu": "The Master said: His body is upright. He does not do what he is told, and even if he does not obey the order." Confucianism has always believed that the person who is superior "will lead the way to be upright and meet the trust of the people." "The one who is not upright is the one who is superior." , the people don't believe it." ("Hanshu Gongsun Hongzhuan") "This is the legislation of the old master, who first checks the rules and regulations, so the order is carried out in the world." ("Huainanzi·Zhushu")

Seeing small benefits will lead to failure in big things

Confucius’ famous saying. The words come from "The Analects of Confucius·Zilu": "Zi Xia was the governor of Ju's father and asked about politics. Zi said: If there is no desire for haste, there is no small gain. If you have haste, you will not achieve anything; if you see small gain, great things will not be accomplished." Zhu Xi's "Collected Notes": "Seeing the small is beneficial, what you gain is small, and what you lose is big." He also quoted Cheng Zi and said that Confucius knew well that his disciple "Zi Xia's illness is often near and oblique, so "he should take care of his own affairs. "Inform it" (ibid.). "The Analects of Confucius" quotes Xunzi as saying: "Benefit means benefiting the country and benefiting the people." If a person in politics sees big profits, he must do well, but small ears should not be seen." "Dadai Liji·Four Dynasties": "It is good to see small profits, but it will hinder politics. "

If you are not in your position, you will not seek political power

Confucius' famous saying comes from "The Analects of Confucius Taibo": "Confucius said: 'If you are not in your position, you will not seek political power'. ""Xian Wen" also has this phrase. Its purpose is to "want everyone to concentrate on their duties" (Liu Baonan's "The Analects of Justice"). It is also the consistent attitude of Confucianism. Zengzi said: "A gentleman cannot think about his position." "("The Analects of Confucius·Xianwen") Later Mencius also said that "it is a crime to speak of a high position if you have a low position"; "The Doctrine of the Mean" also has "A gentleman acts in his position and does not want to be outside of it", "If you are in a high position, you will not be in a mausoleum; "The inferior will not help the superior", both are similar to this article.

If a person has no long-term worries, he will have immediate worries

Confucius' famous saying.

The words come from "The Analects of Confucius·Wei Linggong": "Confucius said: If people have no long-term worries, they must have near-term worries." "The Analects of Confucius" quotes: "The worries are not far away, and the worries are coming, so it is called near-term worries." "Xunzi" "Da Lu" says: "Think about things first, and worry about troubles first. Thinking about things first is called taking over, and taking over will make things happen. Worrying about troubles first is called hesitation, and hesitation means disaster will not happen. He who thinks about things after they happen is called hesitation." If you are trapped, the disaster will be irresistible. "Confucianism attaches great importance to people's long-term thinking.

Be kind to yourself, but blame others for being unfavorable

Confucius’ famous saying. The words come from "The Analects of Confucius·Wei Linggong": "The Master said: "Be generous to yourself, but do not blame others, and you will be far away from resentment." This is to apply "benevolence" to others. Dong Zhongshu of the Western Han Dynasty made a further development: "Govern people with benevolence, govern me with righteousness, be kind to oneself and take responsibility for others, this is what it means." ("Chun Qiu Fan Lu·Benevolence and Righteousness Law") "Lu Shi Chun Qiu·Ju Nan" also said : "Therefore, when a gentleman blames others, he uses benevolence, and when he blames himself, he uses righteousness. When he blames others, he uses benevolence, and it is easy to do it. When he is easy, he wins people. When he blames himself, he uses righteousness to make it difficult to do wrong. When it is difficult to do wrong, he behaves in a disguised manner." Zhu Xi commented: "Rebuke yourself. If you are rich, your body will be bettered; if you blame others less, it will be easy for others to follow, so they will be resentful if they don't get it." ("Analects of Confucius")

A gentleman seeks everything from himself, while a villain seeks others

Confucius’ famous sayings. The four views in "The Analects of Confucius" have the same purpose but slightly different texts. "Xueer" contains: "Confucius said: 'If you don't worry about others, you don't know yourself; when you worry, you don't know others.'" This means that you don't have to worry about others not knowing you. What you should worry about is that you don't know others. "Li Ren" writes: "Don't worry if you don't know what you know, you can know what you want to do." The previous sentence has the same meaning, and the second sentence means: I should worry about what I have for others to know. "Xian Wen" wrote: "If you don't worry about others, you don't know it. If you worry about it, you can't do it." "Wei Linggong" also wrote: "The gentleman is sick and incompetent, but if you don't know the patient, you don't know it." Zhu Xi's note: Confucius "On this matter , it has been said many times, and the meaning of Ding Ning can also be seen." ("Analects of Confucius") Wang Euzhi's note: "It can take away my name but not my ambition; it can trap me in circumstances but not trap me in the innocence of heaven and man." , there will be no trouble." ("Four Books")

Don't use words to promote people, and don't use people to waste words.

Confucius' famous saying. The words come from "The Analects of Confucius·Wei Linggong": "The Master said: Don't use words to lift people, don't use people to waste words." Bao Xian's note: "Those who have words do not have to be virtuous, so they cannot use words to lift people." Wang Su's note : "Don't discard good words without virtue." It means not to recommend someone because of their pleasant words, nor to despise someone because of their shortcomings. Confucius's prudent and comprehensive skills in raising people and listening to words were valued by later generations.

Do not do to others what you do not want others to do to you

Confucius’ famous saying. The words come from "The Analects of Confucius·Yan Yuan": "Zhong Gong asked about benevolence, and Confucius said: When going out, it is like seeing a distinguished guest, and making the people feel like receiving a great sacrifice. Don't do to others what you don't want others to do to you. No resentment in the country, no resentment at home." Confucius This means benevolence. "Wei Linggong": "Zi Gong asked: Is there anything you can say that can be implemented throughout your life? Confucius said: Forgive me. Don't do to others what you don't want others to do to you." This also says that Confucius often used "suck and release" "Benevolence". Zhu Xi's "Collected Notes": "Forgiveness means respecting oneself and others. This is what Zigong said: "I don't want others to do anything to me, and I also want nothing to be done to others." "("Gongye Chang") Since then, Confucianism has emphasized "Do not do to others what you do not want others to do to you" in order to implement "benevolent government".

Small impatience will mess up big plans

Confucius Famous quote. The quote comes from "The Analects of Confucius: Wei Linggong": "Confucius said: Clever words mess up virtue, and small impatience messes up great plans. "Zhu Xi's "Analects of Confucius": "Small intolerance is like the benevolence of a woman and the courage of a man. ” He also said: “A woman’s benevolence cannot endure love; a man’s courage cannot endure anger, both of which can disrupt great plans.” "(Volume 45 of "Zhuzi Yulei") The contemporary Yang Shuda also divided into three meanings: "cannot bear anger"; "cannot bear kindness, cannot cut off kindness with justice"; "cannot bear to give up money and money" ("Analects of Confucius") .

A person can spread the Tao, but it is not the Tao that spreads people.

Confucius’ famous saying comes from "The Analects of Confucius: Wei Linggong": "Confucius said: 'People can spread the Tao, but it is not the Tao that spreads people.' ’” It means that people can enlarge the Tao, but they cannot use the Tao to enlarge a great person. Wang Su noted: “Those with great talents have great Tao, and those with small talents have Tao with small ones, so they cannot promote others.” ” Zhu Xi’s note: “There is no way for people outside the way, and there is no one outside the way.” However, the human heart is aware, but the Tao body is inactive. Therefore, a person can be great at his Tao, but the Tao cannot be great at him. "("Analects of Confucius") Dong Zhongshu also quoted this sentence in "Countermeasures for Heaven and Man", saying that it is up to oneself to control chaos, waste and prosperity. Today's Yang Bojun believes that it is inconsistent with his will.

Do not give in to the teacher

Confucius' famous saying comes from "The Analects of Confucius: Wei Linggong": "Confucius said: 'Do not give in to the teacher. ’” “Being benevolent” has two interpretations: one is to face benevolence; the other is to shoulder the important task of realizing benevolence. Zhu Xi’s note: “Being benevolent means taking benevolence as one’s responsibility. Although there is nothing inferior to a teacher, he said that if he goes forward bravely, he will do it. Gai Ren is what people have and do for themselves. There is no struggle. How can it be inferior to existence?" ("Analects of Confucius") The word "teacher" is generally interpreted as "teacher". The modern Qian Muxun means "all people".

To know something is to know it, not to know it is to know it

Confucius’ famous saying comes from "The Analects of Confucius: For Politics": "Confucius said: 'You! What does it mean to teach a girl to know it? To know it is to know it, and not to know it. Not knowing is knowledge. ’” The “knowledge” in “Zhiye” is the same as wisdom. Zhu Xi’s note: “Zilu was very brave, and there were those who thought he knew what he didn’t know, so his old husband told him. "("Analects of Confucius") The record in "Xunzi·Zidao" can be used as evidence: Zilu saw Confucius in rich clothes. Confucius said: "Now that women's clothes are rich and full of color, who in the world is willing to admonish women." "Also said: "Therefore, when a gentleman knows something, he says he knows it, and if he doesn't know it, he says he doesn't know it. It is necessary to say it; if he can do it, he says he can do it; if he cannot do it, he says he can't do it.

"Another chapter of "Confucianism" says: "If you know, you will say you know it; if you don't know, you will say you don't know it; if you don't accuse yourself internally, you will not deceive yourself externally; if you respect the virtuous and fear the law, you will not dare to be arrogant; this is the refined Confucianism. ”

An ordinary man cannot deprive him of ambition

Confucius’ famous saying comes from "The Analects of Confucius·Zihan": "Confucius said: 'The three armies want to seize the commander, but an ordinary man cannot deprive him of ambition." ’” Kong Anguo’s note: “Although the three armies are numerous, but the hearts of the people are not unified, the generals can seize them; even though the soldiers are weak, they can only maintain their ambitions, so they cannot be captured and seize them. Zhu Xi quoted Hou as saying: "The courage of the three armies lies in the people, and the ambition of the common man lies in himself." Therefore, the commander can be captured but the ambition cannot be captured. If it can be taken away, it is not enough to be called ambition. "("Analects of Confucius") Chapter "Li Xin·Zhen Yi" also says: "Confucius said: 'Words have things and actions have patterns. Therefore, one cannot take away ambition in life, and one cannot take away fame in death'. ”

To listen to the Tao and preach it from afar is to abandon virtue

Confucius’ famous saying. The words come from "The Analects of Confucius Yang Huo": "Confucius said: 'To listen to the Tao and preach it to a wanderer is to abandon virtue." Abandon it. ’” Huang Kanshu said: “The study of memorizing questions is not enough to be a teacher. A teacher must review the past to learn the new, study it carefully for a long time, and then he can teach it to others. If you listen to the road, it will be said by people, and there will be a lot of fallacies. Therefore, it is abandoned by the virtuous. He also abandons his own virtue. Qian Mu, a recent scholar, said: "It is easy to hear the Tao, and it is easy to speak the Tao." Even if it enters Zi's ears and comes out of his mouth, even if he hears good words, he does not keep them as his own, and his virtue will never be achieved. "("New Interpretation of the Analects of Confucius") "Xunzi·Daliue": "A gentleman does not speak when in doubt, and does not speak when he has not asked. The road is getting farther and farther. "It is similar to Confucius's objection to hearsay.

If the Tao is different, we should not conspire against each other

Confucius's famous saying. The words come from "The Analects of Confucius·Wei Linggong": "Confucius said: 'The Tao is different. , don't plot against each other." "Historical Records of Boyi" quoted this saying: "If the ways are different, they should not plot against each other, and each should follow his own ambition." "The Biography of Lao Zhuang and Shen Han" says: "Those who study Lao Tzu in the world are inferior to Confucianism, and Confucianism is inferior to Lao Tzu. How can it be said that they are not in harmony with each other?" Qian Mu, a recent scholar, has two interpretations. One is " Gentlemen also have different opinions and deeds, but if they are the same as the Tao, they can work together. But villains who are traitors to the Tao are divided into good and evil, evil and righteous, so it is difficult for them to plot against each other.

"The first one is "Taoist skills, such as shooting and chastity, each has its own emphasis and does not work against each other