The gentleman understands righteousness, while the petty man understands profit.
What the gentleman values is moral righteousness, whereas what the petty man values is personal gain.
The gentleman associates but does not form cliques, while the petty man forms cliques but does not associate harmoniously.
The gentleman can unite others without conspiring, while the petty man conspires without true unity.
The gentleman is not merely a vessel.
A gentleman should not be like a utility vessel, limited to a specific use or function.
The gentleman thinks of virtue, while the petty man thinks of the land; the gentleman thinks of the law, while the petty man thinks of favor.
The gentleman contemplates moral virtue, while the petty man contemplates his local roots; the gentleman is concerned with legal standards, while the petty man is concerned with benefits.
The gentleman is open and sincere, while the petty man is always anxious.
The gentleman's mind is broad and open, whereas the petty man is frequently troubled by worries.
If a gentleman is not grave, he lacks dignity; if he learns, he will not be obstinate. He should adhere to loyalty and trustworthiness, and not associate with those who are not better than himself; if he makes a mistake, he should not hesitate to correct it.
Without gravity, a gentleman lacks authority; through learning, one avoids being stubborn. One must uphold loyalty and trust, avoid friendships with those of inferior moral character, and fear nothing but the correction of one's own faults.
A gentleman does not seek to be satisfied with his food, nor to be at ease in his dwelling. He is quick in action but cautious in speech, and keeps close to those who are in the right to rectify himself. This can truly be called the love of learning.
A gentleman does not crave satiation in food or comfort in housing. He is diligent and agile in his actions, cautious and prudent in his speech, and seeks guidance from virtuous people to correct his path. This is the essence of being a lover of learning.
The gentleman does not contend with others, unless perhaps in archery. In archery, they bow and yield to each other before ascending the platform, and descend to share a drink together. This is the kind of competition befitting a gentleman.
A gentleman has no fixed agenda for competing with others, except perhaps in archery. Before the contest, they exchange bows in a gesture of respect, then step up to the platform. Afterward, they step down and share a drink. This is the noble way of competition.
Regarding the affairs of the world, the gentleman has no fixed preferences or aversions, but only follows the path of righteousness.
In regard to the people and matters of the world, the gentleman has no rigid rules of what must be done or what must not be done; he simply acts according to the demands of moral righteousness.
The gentleman should be slow in speech and quick in action.
A gentleman should be cautious with his words but swift and agile in his deeds.
The gentleman studies extensively in literature and constrains himself with ritual propriety; thus, he will not deviate from the right path.
By broadly studying ancient texts and restraining oneself through ritual propriety, one can ensure that one does not stray from the correct course.
The gentleman is free from sorrow and fear. Upon self-examination, if he finds no guilt, why should he be sorrowful or afraid?
A gentleman is free from anxiety and fear. When he introspects and finds no cause for guilt, why would he be worried or afraid?
