Analects - Essence of Chinese Traditional Culture (First Series)

Author: Confucius
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: The original text says: "Is it not pleasant to learn and frequently practice it? Is it not delightful to have friends come from distant places? Is it not gentlemanlike not to resent others who do not appreciate one's worth?" Translation: Confucius said, "After learning, to review it in time is not a joyful thing? To have close friends come from afar is not a happy thing? Not to be understood by others and not to be angry is not a gentleman?" Analysis The so-called gentleman in ancient times, besides those in high official positions, mostly referred to people with considerable moral cultivation. "Not to resent others who do not appreciate one's worth" is what a gentleman does, reflecting a broad-mindedness. Those with broad minds can face anything calmly, so they feel that "learning and frequently practicing it" is a happy thing, and "having friends come from afar" is also a happy thing. This is a calm state of mind, an optimistic spirit. If everyone can adjust their mindset and look at things with a positive attitude, then you will find that the world is so beautiful, human nature is so kind, and even the sunshine is so brilliant. P1