Chapter 4: 里仁第四 — Lunyu — Taiyi Pavilion Chapter 4: 里仁第四
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Confucius said: "To dwell in the heart of goodness is the finest choice. If one does not choose to abide in goodness, how can they be called wise?" Confucius said: "Those who are not good cannot endure hardship for long, nor can they enjoy happiness for long. The good find peace in goodness; the wise find it beneficial."
Confucius said: "Only the good are capable of truly loving others and truly hating others."
Confucius said: "If one sets their heart on goodness, they will do no evil."
Confucius said: "Wealth and honor are what everyone desires—but if they cannot be obtained in the proper way, they should not be held. Poverty and lowliness are what everyone dislikes—but if they cannot be escaped in the proper way, they should not be avoided. If a noble person abandons goodness, how can they be worthy of the name? A noble person never departs from goodness, not even for the duration of a single meal. In haste, they remain with it; in times of turmoil, they remain with it."
Confucius said: "I have never seen someone who truly loves goodness or truly despises wickedness. One who loves goodness values nothing above it. One who despises wickedness practices goodness by never allowing what is wicked to touch them. Is there anyone who can devote their full strength to goodness for even a single day? I have never seen someone who lacked the strength to do so. Perhaps such people exist, but I have yet to meet one."
Confucius said: "People's faults are often linked to their nature. By observing a person's faults, you can understand their character."
Confucius said: "If I could hear the Way in the morning, I could die content that evening."
Confucius said: "A scholar who sets his heart on the Way yet is ashamed of poor clothes and simple food is not worth engaging in discussion."
Confucius said: "The noble person, in dealing with the world, has no fixed preferences or aversions—they stand only on the side of what is right."
Confucius said: "The noble person cherishes virtue; the petty person cherishes comfort. The noble person cherishes the law; the petty person cherishes favors."
Confucius said: "If you act solely for personal gain, you will invite much resentment."
Confucius said: "Can a state be governed with courtesy and humility? What difficulty is there? If you cannot govern with courtesy and humility, what use are the rites?" Confucius said: "Do not worry about lacking a position; worry about whether you are worthy of it. Do not worry that no one knows you; strive to be worth knowing."
Confucius said: "Shen! My Way is woven into one thread." Zengzi replied: "Yes." After Confucius left, the disciples asked: "What did he mean?" Zengzi said: "The Master's Way is simply this: loyalty and reciprocity."
Confucius said: "The noble person understands what is right; the petty person understands what is profitable."
Confucius said: "When you see someone worthy, strive to equal them. When you see someone unworthy, reflect on your own shortcomings."
Confucius said: "When serving your parents, gently advise them. If you see they do not follow your advice, remain respectful and do not disobey. Though troubled, do not resent them."
Confucius said: "While your parents are alive, do not travel far. If you must travel, have a fixed destination."
Confucius said: "If for three years a person does not deviate from their father's way, they can be called filial."
Confucius said: "You must always know your parents' age. On one hand, it brings joy; on the other, it brings fear."
Confucius said: "In ancient times, people were slow to speak, for they were ashamed if their actions fell short of their words."
Confucius said: "Those who practice restraint rarely go wrong." Confucius said: "The noble person wishes to be slow in speech but quick in action."
Confucius said: "Virtue never stands alone—it always has neighbors."
Ziyou said: "If you serve your ruler too frequently, you will be disgraced. If you advise your friends too frequently, you will be estranged."