The gentleman makes things his servants; the petty man is the servant of things.
Confucian philosopher
From his teachings on self-mastery
approx. 300 BCE
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Cross Reference
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"If men give rein to their feelings, obey their nature, they will assuredly come to strife and rapine."
Controversial"The ruler is the boat; the common people are the water. The water can support the boat, but it can also overturn it."
Controversial"The gentleman is cautious about what he does not know, and careful about what he does not see."
Strange & Unusual"To know is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge."
Humorous"Those who understand ritual are subtle; those who do not understand ritual are gross."
Strange & Unusual