Analects 17.16

Original Text:

子曰古者民有三疾今也或是之亡也古之狂也肆今之狂也荡古之矜也廉今之矜也忿戾古之愚也直今之愚也诈而已矣

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “In ancient times, people had three type of faults, which have perhaps since disappeared. In ancient times, those who were wild were at least forthright; nowadays, they are simply deviant. In ancient times, those who were proud were at least principled; nowadays, they are simply belligerent and easily provoked. In ancient times, those who were stupid were at least upright; nowadays, they are simply devious.”

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

The Master said, In former times the common people had three weaknesses, but now even these seem to have largely disappeared. Assertive persons in the past were reckless; now they are downright overbearing. Firm-minded persons in the past were prudish; now they are testy and belligerent. Stupid persons in the past were at least upright; now all they do is try to deceive others.

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