Posts Tagged ‘confucius’
Confucius: Wealth & Rank Desired
on Saturday, September 28, 2019Confucius Money Quote saying energy is devoted to having great status and riches, when little focus is put on why and how we become rich. Confucius said:
“Wealth and rank are what men desire, but unless they be obtained in the right way they may not be possessed. Poverty and obscurity are what men detest; but unless prosperity be brought about in the right way, they are not to be abandoned” — Confucius
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In this quote, Confucius seems to be advising that while wealth, status and prosperity are naturally desirable goals for people, it is important how they are achieved and maintained. He suggests that rank, riches or success obtained through unethical or unsustainable means may ultimately be lost, since they are not rightfully “possessed”.
Likewise, Confucius notes that while poverty and obscurity are understandably disliked, abandoning or changing one’s circumstances should only be done through proper, principled actions – not hasty or reckless behavior.
Overall, the quote conveys Confucius’ view that the means are as important as the ends, and that stability comes from building things “in the right way” through virtue and integrity rather than illicit or fleeting gains alone. He advocates an approach where success is earned responsibly and maintained lawfully.
Birthday: c. 551 – Death: c. 479 BCE
Confucius: Badly Governed Country
on Tuesday, October 9, 2018Confucius Money Quote saying proven true in dramatic fashion today, poorly governed countries breed corruption, waste and criminal activity, so wealth means shame. Confucius said:
“In a country well governed poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed wealth is something to be ashamed of.” — Confucius
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In this quote, Confucius seems to be contrasting how poverty and wealth should be viewed depending on the quality of a country’s governance. He suggests that in a society with just, competent leadership where people’s basic needs are met, citizens should feel ashamed to be poor as it may indicate a lack of diligent self-improvement or contribution.
However, Confucius also notes that wealth attained under corrupt or ineffective rule should itself be a source of embarrassment, as it likely stemmed from exploiting loopholes, unfair advantages or instability rather than meritocratic means.
Overall, the quote conveys Confucius’ view that a government’s performance establishes the appropriate social and ethical context for evaluating people’s economic conditions – and that self-sufficiency is an ideal under good governance, while accumulations may not be rightfully earned under bad leadership.
Birthday: c. 551 – Death: c. 479 BCE
Confucius: Economize or You’ll Agonize
on Monday, November 23, 2015Meaning of Confucius Money Quotation: saying being economical and frugal saves one from the agony of empty pockets. Confucius said:
“He who will not economize will have to agonize” — Confucius
In this concise quote, Confucius seems to be advising that practicing economy, or living within one’s means through careful management of resources, is important to avoid future hardship or “agonizing”.
He implies that those who do not economize by spending prudently and avoiding waste will ultimately have to endure difficulties, wants or stresses as a consequence of overextending themselves financially.
Confucius appears to be recommending frugality and restraint as virtues that can spare people problems down the line. The quote conveys his view that economizing enables stability and security, while profligacy breeds potential troubles to “agonize” over.
Overall, Confucius advocates moderation and thrift as means of self-protection from economic distress.
Birthday: c. 551 – Death: c. 479 BCE
Confucius: Arouse Profit Resentment
on Saturday, October 31, 2015Confucius Money Quotation saying most people will resent it when your motivation is focused on profit above all. Confucius said:
“If your conduct is determined solely by considerations of profit you will arouse great resentment” — Confucius
In this quote, Confucius seems to be advising that conducting one’s affairs or interactions with others solely based on a pursuit of profit or personal gain can undermine relationships and goodwill. He suggests that such a narrowly self-interested approach, where considerations other than wealth are disregarded, is likely to “arouse great resentment”.
Confucius appears to be advocating for balancing profit motives with principles like empathy, fairness and reciprocity in relationships. The quote conveys that prioritizing financial benefit above all else in one’s dealings with people can damage trust and cooperation.
Overall, Confucius seems to be recommending a more holistic perspective where material and social/ethical concerns are both respected to avoid alienating others through a solely transactional mindset.
Birthday: c. 551 – Death: c. 479 BCE
Confucius on Principle vs. Profit
on Sunday, September 28, 2014Confucius Money Quotation saying those who know true value don’t seek profit over principle. Confucius said:
“The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell” — Confucius
In this quote, Confucius seems to be contrasting different types of individuals based on their priorities and motivations. He describes the “superior man” as one who understands and acts in accordance with principles of right conduct, morality and integrity.
However, Confucius refers to the “inferior man” as someone who is primarily concerned with and guided by what is commercially viable or popular rather than ethical considerations.
The quote conveys Confucius’ view that true excellence is found in a person discerning virtue and applying it sincerely, not a person who tailors their behavior, speech and choices to be marketable above all else.
Overall, Confucius appears to be advocating that righteousness should take precedence over profit-seeking or expediency for an upstanding individual.
Birthday: c. 551 – Death: c. 479 BCE