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Analects 19.9

Leave a Comment / Analects, Analects - Book Nineteen

Original Text:

子夏曰君子有三变望之俨然即之也温听其言也厉

Translation:

Other Translations:

Zixia said, “The gentleman has three aspects: when you gaze upon him from afar, he appears grave and imposing; once you approach him, he appears mild and welcoming; and when you listen to his words, he appears strict and serious.”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

Zixia said, The gentleman has three changes of appearance. Seen from a distance, he is austere. Approach more closely, and he is mild. Listen to his words, and he is sharp-spoken.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.

Analects 17.17

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Original Text:

子曰巧言令色鲜矣仁

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “A clever tongue and fine appearance are rarely signs of Goodness.”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

The Master said, Clever words and a pleasing countenance—little humaneness there.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.

Analects 11.21

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Original Text:

子曰论笃是与君子者乎色庄者乎

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “If someone seems sincere and serious in their conversation, does this mean they are a gentleman? Or have they merely adopted the appearance of the gentleman?”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

The Master said, The person skilled in argumentation—is he a true gentleman? Or merely an impressive showman?

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.