Life’s guideposts illuminated by sayings from the Analects: Confucius’s teachings that move the heart.

Poor yet never obsequious; wealthy yet never arrogant.Zi Gong

A saying from the Analects by Confucius’s disciple Zigong: “In poverty, do not be obsequious; in wealth, do not be arrogant.” It means that even if you are poor, you should not be servile, and even if you have money, you should not be conceited—an admonition to never lose your inner core in any circumstance.

In response, Confucius adds that one cannot compare with a person who, though poor, takes joy in their way of life, and though wealthy, never neglects propriety.

Both sayings are memorable maxims that teach us the dignity essential to being human.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Fine words and an ingratiating appearance are rarely associated with true benevolence.

From the Analects: 'Clever words and an ingratiating appearance are seldom associated with benevolence (ren).

This passage from the Analects conveys that while it isn’t bad to be inventive with words or to read people’s expressions, if those things become the focus, one’s genuine human heart grows thin.

Indeed, there are times when something is expressed very skillfully yet somehow feels fake or lacks sincerity.

Conversely, even with few words, you can sometimes feel that someone is speaking only the truth.

Of course, taking either tendency to an extreme isn’t good.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Worrying about not understanding others.Confucius

The Analects phrase “to worry about not knowing others” follows from “do not worry that others do not know you.” It means: instead of fretting that others don’t recognize you, worry about whether you truly understand others.

Indeed, people often think, “I’m working so hard!” and feel anger at not receiving what they consider fair recognition.

But if asked whether they themselves understand other people, many might not be able to answer.

This famous saying teaches the importance of calmly looking around and understanding others before lamenting that you alone are not being acknowledged.

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Hoshino Takashi

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A gentleman must be broad-minded and resolute.Zengzi

One of Confucius’s disciples, Zengzi, wrote in the Analects: “A scholar must be broad-minded and resolute,” followed by, “The burden is heavy and the road is long.

To take benevolence as one’s own charge—is that not a heavy burden? To continue until death— is that not a long road?” It teaches that those who strive for mastery or who stand above others must possess a large capacity and strong will, and must walk that arduous path throughout their lives.

When you make a great resolve, you must at the same time have the courage and determination to take the first step.

This famous saying tells us what a fulfilling life is—and reminds us of how demanding it can be.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Three Beneficial FriendsConfucius

Three beneficial friendships, three harmful friendships — Confucius

This saying by Confucius speaks about three kinds of friends who are beneficial to associate with and three kinds who are harmful.

Beneficial friends are said to be those who are honest, sincere, and erudite.

Harmful friends are those who are dishonest, insincere, and unashamedly skillful with flattering words.

If we are to be friends with others, we ourselves should also be of the beneficial kind.

Beneficial people naturally attract beneficial friends.

It is important not only to avoid making harmful friends but also to avoid becoming one ourselves.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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