Deference

Analects 4.13

Original Text:

子曰能以礼让为国乎何有不能以礼让为国如礼何

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “If a person is able to govern the state by means of ritual propriety and deference, what difficulties will he encounter? If, on the other hand, a person is not able to govern the state through ritual propriety and deference, of what use are the rites to him?”

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

The Master said, Can you govern the state with ritual and a deferential approach? then you will have no difficulty. If you cannot govern the state with ritual and a deferential approach, then what use is ritual alone?

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

Analects 1.8

Original Text:

子曰君子不重则不威学则不固主忠信无友不如己者过则勿惮改

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “If a gentleman is not serious, he will not inspire awe, and what he learns will be grasped only superficially. Let your actions be governed by dutifulness and trustworthiness, and do not accept as a friend who is not your equal. If you have committed a transgression, do not be afraid to change your ways.

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

The Master said, If the gentleman lacks gravity, he won’t command respect. If he studies he will avoid narrow-mindedness. Put prime value on loyalty and trustworthiness, have no friends who are not your equal, and, if you make mistakes, don’t be afraid to correct them.

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