A beautiful neighbourhood
A town or a village is beautiful if its inhabitants are benevolent.
How can people be considered wise, if they do not value benevolence in their neighbours?
Benevolent people are attracted to benevolent people, because they feel comfortable in their company.
Wise people are attracted to benevolent people, because they know they will be treated well by them.
If people lack benevolence, how can they win respect?
Never abandon benevolence, even for the time it takes to eat a meal.
If a person hears about the Way, and then dies on the same day, that person has not lived in vain.
Do not listen to those who have set their hearts on following the Way, but are ashamed of ragged clothes and simple food.
Do not worry if you do not hold any power; concern yourself only with whether you are worthy of holding power.
Do not worry if no one appreciated your wisdom; concern yourself only with whether you are truly wise.
Wise people know what is right. Foolish people know only what is profitable.
Kung fu tzu
readings from
taoism and
confucianism
the global spirit library
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