To learn and constantly review it, is that not a pleasure? To have friends come from afar to seek knowledge, is that not also a joy? To remain unruffled when others do not understand you, is that not the mark of a gentleman? The Analects — If one studies and then diligently and continuously reviews it, is it not a source of great joy? If friends come from distant places to seek one's guidance, does the heart not feel delighted? When others do not understand you, yet you can refrain from blaming heaven or grumbling at others, is a person possessing such moral cultivation not rightly called a gentleman?
I examine myself three times a day: Was I disloyal in serving others? Was I sincere in my interactions with friends? Have I reviewed what my teacher taught me? The Analects — Every day, I repeatedly reflect on myself: Have I been wholehearted in matters entrusted to me? Have I been truthful in my dealings with friends? Have I reviewed the lessons imparted by my teachers?
Honor the worthy and deemputize beauty; serve parents with utmost effort; serve the ruler with devotedness; be truthful in speech with friends. Even if he is said not to have studied the way of man, I regard him as having studied. The Analects — Revere the virtuous and do not focus on beauty; show filial piety to parents with total devotion; serve the ruler with self-sacrifice; be trustworthy in words with friends. A person who acts this way, though claimed not to have studied the principles of human conduct, I consider to have studied.
In the application of ritual, harmony is most valuable. The Analects — When applying the rites, special emphasis should be placed on harmonious coexistence.
A gentleman does not seek satiety in food, …… is diligent in action and cautious in speech, seeks those who follow the Way and corrects himself accordingly; this can be called a lover of learning. The Analects — A gentleman does not seek excessive fullness in eating, …… is industrious in his work, cautious in his words, and approaches those who possess moral principles to learn from them, thereby correcting his own flaws. Such a person can be called a lover of learning.
I do not worry that others do not know me; I worry that I do not know others. The Analects — One should not be concerned that others do not understand them, but rather concerned about failing to understand others.
Rule by virtue, and you will be like the North Star, which remains in its place while all other stars align with it. The Analects — Rely on virtue to govern the state. It is like the North Star, which remains fixed in its position, while the other stars willingly orbit around it.
