Famous Sayings of Confucius and His Disciples
（吴国珍 编译）
注：下文除注有（有子）（曾子）等以表明该言论由孔子弟子所发外，其余言论均为孔子所发。
1.学而时习之，不亦说乎？ 1.1
Isn’t it a pleasure to learn and constantly practice what is learnt?
2. 有朋自远方来，不亦乐乎？1.1
Isn’t it delightful to have friends coming from afar?
3. 人不知而不愠，不亦君子乎？1.1
Isn’t he a gentleman who is not annoyed for not being understood?
4. 其为人也孝弟，而好犯上者，鲜矣；不好犯上，而好作乱者，未之有也。（有子）1.2
It is a rare case that a man who has filial piety and fraternal love will be liable to offend his superior; it never occurs that a man who does not offend his superior will rebel.
5. 孝弟也者，其为仁之本与！（有子）1.2
Filial piety and fraternal love are the foundation of moral excellence!
6. 巧言令色, 鲜矣仁。1.3
Artful words and flattering countenance have little to do with human goodness.
7. 吾日三省吾身。为人谋而不忠乎？与朋友交而不信乎？传不习乎？（曾子）1.4
I ask myself several times in my daily introspection: Am I not dedicated when handling affairs for others? Am I not trustworthy to my friends? Have I not practiced what is taught by the teacher?
8. 过则勿惮改。1.8
When you have faults, you should not be afraid to correct them. (When you have faults, don’t hesitate to correct them.)
9. 慎终追远，民德归厚矣。（曾子）1.9
Prudently perform funeral rites to deceased parents and permanently remember the forefathers, and the civic morality will resume its excellence.
10. 礼之用，和为贵。（有子）1.12
In carrying out the rules of propriety, harmony is a most valued pursuit.
11. 信近于义，言可复也。（有子）1.13
When credit is based on just grounds, a promise can be fulfilled.
12. 君子食无求饱，居无求安。1.14
A man of virtue does not seek to eat to his heart’s content or dwell in coziness.
13. 不患人之不己知，患不知人也。 1.16
Never mind others not knowing about you; just worry that you might not know about others.
14. 为政以德，譬如北辰，居其所而众星共之。2.1
He who governs by means of morality is like the North Star, which keeps its place with all the other stars gathering around it.
15. 诗三百，一言以蔽之，曰：‘思无邪’。
The Book of Poetry with all its three hundred poems may be summed up in just one line: ‘With no evil thoughts’. 2.2
16. 道之以政，齐之以刑，民免而无耻。2.3
If the people are ruled by injunctions and restricted by penalty, they may try to evade the punishment without developing the sense of shame.
17.三十而立，四十而不惑，五十而知天命，六十而耳顺，七十而从心所欲不逾矩。 2.4
At thirty I began to stand firm on my own feet; in my forties I was free from puzzlement; when I turned fifty I had come to apperceive destiny; by the age of sixty I had been all ears to different opinions; now in my seventies I can follow what my heart desires without going against what is right.
18.今之孝者，是谓能养。至于犬马，皆能有养，不敬，何以别乎？（子游）2.7
Nowadays filial piety simply means the feeding of one’s parents. But since dogs and horses may also get fed, what is there to distinguish the two if one shows no respect while supporting the parents?
19. 温故而知新，可以为师矣。2.11
Review what has been learned to perceive what is new, and you will be qualified to be a teacher.
20. 君子不器。2.12 (一个高级官员应该是治国全才，而非仅仅拥有某一具体的技艺。A high official should be an all-round state administrator, not just someone with a particular skill.)
A superior man is not a mere utensil.
21. 君子周而不比，小人比而不周。2.14
The virtuous people widely unite but do not gang up; the virtueless people gang up but do not widely unite.
22. 学而不思则罔，思而不学则殆。2.15
Learning without thinking leads to perplexity; thinking without learning is perilous.
23. 知之为知之，不知为不知，是知也。2.17
When you know a thing, say that you know it; when you do not know a thing, say that you do not know it. It is wise doing so.
24. 人而无信，不知其可也。2.22
I don’t think it all right for a man to go without credibility.
25. 见义不为，无勇也。 2.24
Failing to take action at the critical moment shows a lack of courage.
26. 是可忍，孰不可忍也！ 3.1
If this could be tolerated, what else might not?
27. 人而不仁，如礼何？人而不仁，如乐何？ 3.3
If a man is virtueless, what does propriety mean to him? If a man is virtueless, what does music mean to him?
28. 君子无所争。 3.7
A gentleman contends for nothing.
29. 获罪于天，无所祷也。 3.13
He who offends God of Heaven has none to pray to.
30. 既往不咎。 3.21
Let bygones be bygones.
31. 里仁为美。 4.1
It is a nice thing to have benevolent neighbors.
32. 不仁者不可以久处约，不可以长处乐。 4.2
The virtueless cannot live for long either in poverty or in comfort.
33. 唯仁者能好人，能恶人。4.3
It is only the virtuous who know how to love and how to hate.
34. 苟志于仁矣，无恶也。4.4
Those who set their minds to moral goodness will conduct nothing wicked.
35. 富与贵，是人之所欲也，不以其道得之，不处也。 4.5
Riches and ranks are what men desire. But if they are not obtained in a just way, they should not be held.
36. 贫与贱，是人之所恶也，不以其道得之，不去也。 4.5
Poverty and humbleness are what men detest. But if they cannot be avoided in a just way, they should not be evaded.
37. 人之过也，各于其党。观过，斯知仁矣。 4.7
A man’s faults are similar to those committed by the group that he belongs to. By observing his faults we know what kind of person he is.
38. 朝闻道，夕死可矣。 4.8
If I were told of the truth in the morning, I could die willingly even in the evening.
39. 士志于道，而耻恶衣恶食者，未足与议也。 4.9
It is not worthwhile to talk about the truth with scholars who, while pursuing the truth, feel it a shame to live off bad clothes and poor food.
40. 君子之于天下也，无适也，无莫也，义之与比。 4.10
To a superior man, there is nothing in the world that he ought to do or ought not to do. He just does what is right.
41. 君子怀德，小人怀土。 4.11
A superior man holds to morality, while a petty man clings to his lotus land. 4.11
(Note: A lotus land , or a lotusland, is a place providing idle pleasure and luxury. 安乐乡)
42. 君子怀刑，小人怀惠。
A superior man holds to legal laws, while a petty man clings to his personal gains. 4.11
43. 放于利而行，多怨。4.12
He who acts merely for personal gains will beget a lot of resentment.
44. 不患无位，患所以立。4.14
Never mind having no position or rank, but care about what will help you secure the footing.
45. 不患莫己知，求为可知也。4.14
Never mind your not being known by others, but try to seek what can help make yourself known.
46. 君子喻于义，小人喻于利。 4.16
A man of virtue is penetrable to reason; a base man can only be persuaded with benefits.
47. 见贤思齐焉，见不贤而内自省也。 4.17
When you meet a virtuous man, try to become his equal. When you see something bad in others, try to reflect yourself.
48. 父母在，不远游，游必有方。 4.19
Do not travel far from home while your parents are still living. If you do have to, be sure to indicate the whereabouts.
49. 古者言之不出，耻躬之不逮也。4.22
The ancients were cautious in speech, for they felt ashamed if they could not live up to their word.
50. 以约失之者鲜矣。 4.23
He who exercises self-restraint rarely errs.
51. 君子欲讷于言而敏于行。4.24
A superior man should be slow in speech and prompt in action.
52. 德不孤，必有邻。4.25
A man of virtue will not walk alone; he shall always have company.
( 注：此译参照利物浦队队歌You’ll Never Walk Alone)
53. 事君数，斯辱矣；朋友数，斯疏矣。4.26
Serving a prince overmuch will only beget humiliation. Contacting friends overmuch will only repel them.
54. 朽木不可雕也，粪土之墙不可杇也。5.10
Rotten wood cannot be carved; a wall of dirt cannot be whitewashed.
55. 听其言而观其行。5.10
(To judge a man correctly, we should) listen to his words and watch his deeds.
56. 敏而好学，不耻下问。5.15
Be keen on learning and feel no shame in consulting the inferior.
57. 不迁怒，不贰过。6.3
Never vent anger on others, nor repeat your errors.
58. 君子周急不济富。 6.4
A superior man helps meet an urgent need rather than help enrich the rich.
59. 文质彬彬，然后君子。6.18
The proper combination of exterior refinement with plain nature helps make a true superior man.
60. 人之生也直，罔之生也幸而免。6.19
Men survive thanks to their uprightness, but the dishonest do survive misfortune by sheer luck.
61. 知之者不如好之者，好之者不如乐之者。6.20
It is better to love knowledge than just to have it; it is even better to find fun out of knowledge than just to love it.
62. 务民之义，敬鬼神而远之。 6.22
Focus on what ought to be done for the people and keep aloof from ghosts and deities while showing respect to them.
63. 知者乐水，仁者乐山；知者动，仁者静；知者乐，仁者寿。6.23
The wise find pleasure in waters while the virtuous take delight in mountains. The wise are active, the virtuous tranquil. The wise are happy, the virtuous longevous.
64. 君子博学于文，约之以礼，亦可以弗畔矣夫。6.27
A superior man who keeps broadening his learning and restraining himself with the rules of propriety may not overstep what is right.
（香港中文大学校训的英译：Through Learning and Temperance to Virtue 博文约礼）
65. 中庸之为德也，其至矣乎！民鲜久矣。6.29
The Golden Mean as a great virtue must have reached its highest realm! But it hasn’t been seen in the people for a long time.
66. 己欲立而立人，己欲达而达人。6.30
While one strives to gain his footing in society, he should help others to gain theirs; while he strives to make his own accomplishment, he should help others to make theirs.
67. 默而识之，学而不厌，诲人不倦。7.2
Learning by heart and bearing in mind what is learned; studying without satiety and teaching without weariness.
68. 自行束修以上，吾未尝无诲焉。7.7
I have never refused to teach anyone so long as he presents me with a bundle of dried meat.
69. 不愤不启，不悱不发。7.8
Never enlighten a student unless he has racked his brains but fails to understand; never teach him how to speak unless he has tried hard to express himself but fails to do it.
70. 暴虎冯河，死而无悔者，吾不与也。7.11
I won’t be working with those who would die without any regret in fighting with a tiger barehanded, or crossing a river without a boat.
71. 子在齐闻《韶》，三月不知肉味。7.14
Enjoying the music Shao in the State of Qi, Confucius found meat tasteless in those three months.
72. 求仁而得仁，又何怨。 7.15
To die for what one pursues will leave him no regret.
73. 不义而富且贵，于我如浮云。7.16
Riches and ranks acquired by unrighteous means are to me like passing clouds.
74. 发愤忘食，乐以忘忧，不知老之将至。7.19
I forget my food when racking my brains without a result; I forget my worries while taking delight in life; I care little about my increasing age.
75. 我非生而知之者。 7.20
I was not born learned.
76. 三人行，必有我师焉。择其善者而从之，其不善者而改之。 7.22
In a party of three there must be one whom I can learn from. I will pick his merits to emulate them, and find his demerits to amend mine.
77. 人洁己以进，与其洁也，不保其往也。7.29
Since one presents his purified side, we should appreciate his purity, and try to overlook his negative past.
78. 丘也幸，苟有过，人必知之。7.31
(Confucius said,) I am lucky that when I have an error, others will surely know it.
79. 君子坦荡荡，小人长戚戚。7.37
A gentleman is open and broad-hearted; a base man is always worried and distressed.
80. 恭而无礼则劳。8.2 (过分的恭敬劳而无益。Reverence shown overmuch will do more harm than good.)
Without the regulation of the rules of propriety, reverence turns out to be fatigue.
81. 慎而无礼则葸。8.2 (过分小心反成畏缩。Cautiousness shown overmuch will make one timid.)
Without the regulation of the rules of propriety, cautiousness leads to timidity.
82. 勇而无礼则乱。 8.2 (过分勇敢容易作乱。Boldness displayed overmuch will result in unruly actions.)
Without the regulation of the rules of propriety, boldness results in turbulence.
83. 直而无礼则绞。 8.2 (过分直率会尖酸刺人。Straightforwardness displayed overmuch will make others unhappy.)
Without the regulation of the rules of propriety, straightforwardness causes offence.
84. 鸟之将死，其鸣也哀；人之将死，其言也善。8.4
When a bird is dying, its notes are mournful; when a man is dying, his words are well-intentioned.
85. 士不可以不弘毅，任重而道远。 8.7
A scholar cannot but aim high and be perseverant, for he has to shoulder weighty responsibilities with a long way ahead.
86. 民可使由之，不可使知之。8.9
The people may be made to follow, but must not be made to know why.
87. 邦有道，贫且贱焉，耻也；邦无道，富且贵焉，耻也。8.13
Take poverty and humbleness for a shame when living in a well-governed state; also take riches and ranks for a shame when living in a badly-governed one.
88. 不在其位，不谋其政。 8.14
He who does not hold the position shall not involve himself in its affairs.
89. 学如不及，犹恐失之。8.17
Learning is like chasing something：while chasing it we fear we cannot catch up with it; having caught up with it we fear we might lose it again.
90. 吾少也贱，故多能鄙事。9.6
I was humble when young, so I developed many lowly skills.
91. 君子居之，何陋之有？ 9.14
If a gentleman dwelt in a place, how could there still be vulgarity?
(A gentleman’s living in a place will help civilize it.)
92. 子在川上曰：“逝者如斯夫，不舍昼夜。9.17
Watching the surging current by the riverside Confucius said, “O time elapses just like this, day and night without cease!
93. 苗而不秀者有矣夫；秀而不实者有矣夫！ 9.22
There are some plants that grow without blossom, and others that blossom without bearing fruits. （Not all education could achieve the desired results.）
94. 后生可畏，焉知来者之不如今也？ 9.23
Young people are a worthy challenge. Who says that the younger generation will not be as good as the older?
95. 三军可夺帅也，匹夫不可夺志也。 9.26
While a great army may be made to change its commander, a common person cannot be made to change his ambition. （夺：改变）
96. 岁寒，然后知松柏之后雕也。 9.28
It is only in cold winter months that we see how the pine and the cypress are the last to wither.
96. 知者不惑，仁者不忧，勇者不惧。 9.29
The wise won’t get bewildered, the virtuous are not anxiety-ridden, and the courageous are dauntless.
97. 未能事人，焉能事鬼？未知生，焉知死？11.12
While you fail to serve the living well, how can you serve the ghosts? While you do not know about life, how can you know about death? 11.12
98. 过犹不及。 11.16
Going beyond is as wrong as falling short.
99. 非吾徒也。小子鸣鼓而攻之可也。(冉有替季孙家族敛财，孔子鼓励其他弟子批判他。Confucius appealed his disciples to denounce Ran You, one of his disciples who was trying to extort excessive taxes for the royal Jisun Family.) 11.17
He is no disciple of mine. You pupils may beat the drum to assail him.
100. 不践迹，亦不入于室。11.20 （不向古代圣贤学习，一个人的学问和道德修养是无法到达精深的地步的。Without learning from ancient sages, one will not be able to deepen his academic researches or reach moral perfection.）
Those who do not follow others’ footsteps will not be able to enter the inner chamber.
101. 己所不欲，勿施于人。12.2
Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself.
102. 君子不忧不惧。12.4
A superior man is free of anxiety or fear.
103. 四海之内，皆兄弟也。 12.5
All men under the sun are brothers.
104. 民无信不立。 12.7
A government cannot stand without public confidence.
105. 百姓足，君孰与不足？百姓不足，君孰与足？（孔子告诫国君要减税富民。Confucius warned a sovereign that he should cut taxes to enrich the people.）12.9
If the people live in plenty, how can you be left in want alone? If the people are in want, how can you live in plenty alone?
106. 君君、臣臣、父父、子子。12.11 (孔子指出，不同地位的人必须履行各自的权利和义务。Confucius pointed out that people in different positions must have their respective rights and obligations.)
Let the prince be a prince, a minister be a minister, a father be a father, and a son be a son.
107. 听讼，吾犹人也。必也使无讼乎！(孔子希望能建立一个无诉讼的社会，让一切问题在礼制范围内解决。Confucius hoped to see a non-litigious society where all problems could be solved within the bounds of propriety.) 12.13
I have the same ability in settling a lawsuit as others do. But what is important is to make sure there are no lawsuits!
108. 君子成人之美，不成人之恶。小人反是。 12.16
A virtuous man helps others to fulfill their nice wishes but not their evil ones. A base man does the opposite.
109. 政者正也。子帅以正，孰敢不正？ 12.17
To govern means to act rightly. If you take the lead on the right way, who else dares to go astray?
110. 苟子之不欲，虽赏之不窃。 12.18
If you are not insatiate, no one would steal even if you should reward them for doing that.
111. 君子之德风，小人之德草，草上之风，必偃。 12.19
The moral influence of the superior men is like the wind, while the moral inclination of the inferior men is like grass. Where the wind blows, the grass will bend.
（Leaders should take the lead in establishing good social customs to influence the common people.）
112. 子欲善而民善矣。 12.19 （这是对国君说的。Confucius hoped that a sovereign would take the lead in doing good.）
Let your conducts be good, and the people will conduct well, too.
113. 攻其恶，无攻人之恶。12.21
Rebuke yourself for your faults instead of rebuking others for theirs.
114. 忠告而善道之，不可则止，毋自辱也。12.23
Give your friend faithful advice, and skillfully talk him round. But if he refuses to listen to you, just stop. Do not bring disgrace upon yourself.
（Never impose your advice on your friends, not even when you think your advice is the best in the world.）
115. 君子以文会友，以友辅仁。 12.24 （曾子）
A superior man gathers friends on literary grounds, and fosters his own morality with the help of such friends.
116. 名不正则言不顺，言不顺则事不成。13.3（言论行动须出自合法合理的名义方能顺理成事。Important speeches or actions should be made or done in a licit name before they will work justifiably.）
If a statement is not made in a licit name, it will not be justifiable. If the statement is not justifiable, the goal will not be achieved.
117. 上好义，则民莫敢不服。13.4
If a state ruler loves righteousness, the people cannot but show their submission.
118. 上好信，则民莫敢不用情。13.4
If a state ruler loves creditability, the people cannot but show sincerity.
119. 其身正，不令而行。13.6
He who stands rightly himself will inspire an action even before he gives the order.
120. 其身不正，虽令不从。13.6
He who does not stand rightly himself will not have an order obeyed even when he gives one.
121. 不能正其身，如正人何？ 13.13
If one cannot right himself, how can he right others?
122. 苟正其身矣，于从政乎何有？13.13
If one makes himself upright, what difficulty will he have in government?
123. 无欲速，无见小利。13.17
Do not want things done too hastily; do not covet petty gains.
124. 见小利则大事不成。13.17
Coveting petty gains will fail great accomplishment.
125. 欲速则不达。13.17
More haste, less speed.
126. 言必信，行必果，硁硁然小人哉！13.20 （孟子也认为，大人物说话如果不符合公义，可以不算数。Mencius also believed that a great man might not fulfill his promise if it was not based on just grounds.）
Those who are true to every word and stoutly seek a result in every action are rigid petty fellows.
127. 君子和而不同，小人同而不和。13.23
The superior men harmonize without demanding conformity; the base men demand conformity but do not harmonize.
128. 君子易事而难说也。说之不以道，不说也。13.25 （说 = 悦，取悦）
A man of virtue is easy to serve but hard to please. If you try to please him in a crooked way, he will not be pleased.
129. 君子泰而不骄，小人骄而不泰。13.26
A superior man is poised but not arrogant, while a base man is arrogant but not poised.
130. 以不教民战，是谓弃之。13.30 （不教 = 未经训练的）
To send untrained people to war is to send them to grave.
131. 士而怀居，不足以为士矣。14.2（怀居 = 留恋安逸的生活）
A scholar who indulges in domestic comfort cannot be counted as a worthy scholar.
132. 邦有道，危言危行；邦无道，危行言孙。14.3 （孙 = 逊，低调）
When good government prevails in a state, be upright in speech and upright in action. When bad government prevails in a state, be upright in action but cautious in speech.
133. 有德者必有言，有言者不必有德。14.4
The virtuous people will surely have their famous sayings, but those who have their famous sayings are not necessarily virtuous.
134. 仁者必有勇，勇者不必有仁。14.4
The benevolent people will surely be brave, but those who are brave are not necessarily benevolent.
135. 爱之，能勿劳乎？忠焉，能勿诲乎？ 14.7
Could we exempt one from toil simply because we love him? Could we give one no dissuasion simply because we are loyal to him?
136. 贫而无怨难，富而无骄易。 14.10
It is hard to live in poverty without making complaints. It is easier to live in plenty without being arrogant.
137. 见利思义，见危授命。14.12
Check if it is righteous before a chance of gain and be ready to give life at a critical moment.
138. 时然后言，人不厌其言。14.13
Speak when it is time to speak, and no one will get tired of what you say.
139. 义然后取，人不厌其取。14.13
Take what is rightful to take, and no one will dislikes your taking.
140. 其言之不怍，则为之也难。14.20 （大言不惭的人要说到做到也难。）
He who talks big without feeling ashamed will find it difficult to put his words into practice.
141. 君子上达，小人下达。14.23
A superior man aims high, while an ordinary man directs downward. （大人物有其远大的目标，普通人关心的是小事。High-ranking leaders or men of virtue have lofty aims while the ordinary people care mainly about trivial things.）
142. 君子思不出其位。（曾子）14.26
A superior man does not exceed his authority when he takes an issue into account.
143. 君子耻其言而过其行。14.27
A superior man considers it a shame to have more words than deeds.
144. 仁者不忧，知者不惑，勇者不惧。14.28
The virtuous won’t be anxiety-ridden, the wise won’t get bewildered and the courageous are fearless.
145. 不逆诈，不亿不信。14.31 （不事先怀疑别人欺诈，不随意猜测别人不诚实。）
Never suspect others of a fraud beforehand; never presume others’ incredibility.
146. 骥不称其力，称其德也。14.33
A good horse is not judged by its strength, but by its excellent qualities.
147. 以直报怨，以德报德。14.34
Return justice for evil and return good for good.
148. 不怨天，不尤人。14.35
Blame neither Heaven nor men.
149. 老而不死，是为贼。 14.43 （孔子骂原壤的话。Confucius scolded a friend who always behaved badly.）
Now at your old age you still wouldn’t die. You are a pest!
150. 君子固穷，小人穷斯滥矣。15.2
A man of virtue maintains steadfast in adversity, while a base man may act recklessly in it.
151. 言忠信，行笃敬，虽蛮貊之邦，行矣。15.6
Faithful and truthful words, together with steady and earnest actions, will help pave a thoroughfare for one even in uncivilized tribes.
152. 言不忠信，行不笃敬，虽州里，行乎哉？15.6
Without truthful words or earnest actions, how can one go checkless even in his own hometown?
153. 邦有道，则仕；邦无道，则可卷而怀之。 15.7
Take office when good government prevails in your state; roll up and bosom your talents and wisdom when ill government prevails in your state.
154. 可与言而不与之言，失人；不可与言而与之言，失言。15.8
Failing to talk with a man you ought to talk with might mean losing a friend. Talking with a man you ought not to talk with might mean saying what you ought not to say.
155. 志士仁人，无求生以害仁，有杀身以成仁。 15.9
A man of ideal and moral integrity should not seek to survive at the expense of morality, but should be ready to give up his life to preserve his moral perfection.
156. 工欲善其事，必先利其器。15.10
A craftsman who wishes to perform his job well must first sharpen his tools.
157. 人无远虑，必有近忧。15.12
Those who have no long-term worries are bound to have some immediate ones.
158. 躬自厚而薄责于人，则远怨矣。15.15
He who is strict with himself and lenient with others will be free from resentment.
159. 不曰“如之何，如之何”者，吾末如之何也已矣。15.16 (孔子幽默地讽刺那些从不主动寻求解决问题的人。Confucius humorously satirized those who never tried to solve a problem on their own initiative.)
I really don’t know what I should do to those who never say “What should I do? What should I do?”
160. 群居终日，言不及义，好行小慧，难矣哉！15.17
There are people who mingle with each other all day without talking about anything serious, but just love to show off their minor wisdom. Such people are really a hard case!
161. 君子病无能焉，不病人之不己知也。15.19
A man of virtue worries that he might lack abilities. He does not worry that others might not know about him.
162. 君子疾没世而名不称焉。15.20
A man of virtue worries that he may end up with no reputation.
163. 君子求诸己，小人求诸人。15.21
A virtuous man finds faults in himself while a base man finds faults in others.
164. 君子矜而不争，群而不党。15.22
Men of virtue are dignified, but do not contend against each other. They are sociable, but do not gang up.
165. 君子不以言举人，不以人废言。15.23
A superior man never favors a man only because of his fine words, nor does he reject a good saying simply because of its speaker.
166. 巧言乱德。小不忍则乱大谋。15.27
Artful talks ruin one’s virtue. A lack of forbearance in small matters spoils a great plan.
167. 人能弘道，非道弘人。15.29 (要坚持和发扬真理，而不是试图用真理来给自己镀金。Just try to uphold and carry forward the truth instead of trying to gild yourself with it.)
A man can enhance the Truth, but the Truth cannot glorify a man.
168. 过而不改，是谓过矣。15.30
An error is a real error when not corrected.
169. 吾尝终日不食，终夜不寝，以思，无益，不如学也。 15.31
I once spent days and nights racking my brains without food or sleep. It was not helpful. Better to take to learning instead.
170. 君子谋道不谋食。15.32 (身居高位的人考虑的是大事而不是养家糊口。A high-ranking official should think of something big rather than their bread.)
A superior man seeks for the truth rather than food.
171. 君子忧道不忧贫。15.32
A superior man concerns himself about the truth rather than poverty.
172. 君子不可小知而可大受也，小人不可大受而可小知也。15.34
A superior man should not be assigned to minor tasks, but can be trusted with great responsibilities. An ordinary man should not be trusted with great responsibilities, but can be assigned to minor tasks.
173. 当仁，不让于师。15.36
Never wait for your teacher to go ahead when facing a just cause.
174. 君子贞而不谅。15.37
A superior man upholds justice, but does not necessarily keep faith on minor issues.
175. 有教无类。15.39
Let there be education for all irrespective of learners’ background.
（One of UNESCO’s core goals is Education For All, 即有教无类。）
176. 道不同，不相为谋。 15.40
Those who are not in the same camp do not plan together.
177. 辞达而已矣。 15.41
All that matters in wording is to get the point across.
178. 不患寡而患不均，不患贫而患不安。16.1
Do not worry about poverty, but about unfair distribution of wealth. Do not worry about the small size of population, but about instability of society.
179. 均无贫，和无寡，安无倾。16.1
A fair distribution system may help eliminate poverty, a harmonious society has nothing to do with the size of population, and stability never causes subversion.
180. 友直，友谅，友多闻，益矣。 16.4
It is helpful to have friendship with the upright, the faithful and the learned.
181. 友便辟，友善柔，友便侫，损矣。16.4
It is harmful to have friendship with the wicked, the flatterers and the glib-tongued.
182. 乐节礼乐，乐道人之善，乐多贤友，益矣。16.5
It is helpful to take delight in cultivating oneself with proprieties and music, in talking about merits of others, and in making many virtuous friends.
183. 乐骄乐，乐佚游，乐晏乐，损矣。16.5
It is harmful to take delight in excessive enjoyment, in being addicted to idleness, and in indulging oneself in feasts.
184. 言未及之而言谓之躁，言及之而不言谓之隐，未见颜色而言谓之瞽。16.6
Speaking before it is time to speak is called rashness. Not to speak when it is time to speak is called concealment. Speaking without watching the other’s expression is called blindness.
185. 君子有三戒：少之时，血气未定，戒之在色；及其壮也，血气方刚，戒之在斗；及其老也，血气既衰，戒之在得。16.7
A man should guard against these three bad habits: in teenage years when immature, he should guard against carnal desire; in prime years when full of vitality, he should guard against belligerence; in old age when physically decayed, he should guard against greed.
186. 君子有三畏：畏天命，畏大人，畏圣人之言。16.8
A man of virtue holds these three in awe: the will of Heaven, men in authority and words of sages.
187. 困而不学，民斯为下矣。16.9
Those who are confused and yet refuse to learn are people of the lowest grade.
188. 见得思义。16.10
Think if it is righteous before you take.
189. 见善如不及，见不善如探汤。16.11
At the sight of good conducts one should worry that he is not as good. At the sight of evil things he should withdraw as if having his hands off boiling water.
190. 不学礼，无以立。16.13
Without learning the rules of propriety, you will get no footing.
191. 不学诗，无以言。16.13
Without learning the Book of Poetry, you will not have good wording.
192. 性相近也，习相远也。17.2
Men are born alike in nature, but wide diverse in second nature.
193. 割鶏焉用牛刀？17.4
Why kill a chick with an ox-cleaver?
194. 恭则不侮，宽则得众，信则人任焉，敏则有功，惠则足以使人。17.6
Dignity incurs no humiliation, lenience helps win over people, faithfulness helps gain trust, diligence helps win success, and kindness enables you to employ the services of others.
195. 好仁不好学，其蔽也愚。17.8
Loving to show benevolence without loving to learn may lead to being fooled.
196. 好知不好学，其蔽也荡。17.8
Loving to show wisdom without loving to learn may lead to random actions.
197. 好信不好学，其蔽也贼。17.8
Loving to show sincerity without loving to learn may bring about harm.
198. 好直不好学，其蔽也绞。17.8
Loving to show straightforwardness without loving to learn may lead to acerbity.
199. 好勇不好学，其蔽也乱。17.8
Loving to show courage without loving to learn may lead to rampage.
200. 好刚不好学，其蔽也狂。17.8
Loving to show staunchness without loving to learn may lead to arrogance.
201. 乡愿，德之贼也。17.13
Those goody-goody rustics are spoilers of morality.
202. 道听而涂说，德之弃也。17.14
To spread hearsay is to go against morality.
203. 天何言哉？四时行焉，百物生焉，天何言哉？17.19
Heaven does not speak, yet the four seasons do function, and all things do grow.
204. 饱食终日，无所用心，难矣哉！ 17.22
A man who simply eats his fill every day without applying his mind to anything else will find it hard to get along!
205. 君子有勇而无义为乱，小人有勇而无义为盗。17.23
Failing to base valiancy on justice, a superior man might turn trouble-maker; failing to base valiancy on justice, a base man might turn mobster.
（A superior man usually refers to a high official or a man of virtue. Here it refers to the former.）
206. 恶称人之恶者，恶居下流而讪上者，恶勇而无礼者，恶果敢而窒者。17.24
(A man of virtue) hates those who take delight in talking about other’s demerits. He hates the inferior who slander the superior. He hates those who are bold but intemperate. He hates those who are resolute but stubborn.
207. 唯女子与小人为难养也。17.25
Women and inferior men are hard to deal with.
208. 年四十而见恶焉，其终也已。17.26
If a man remains the object of dislike in his forties, he will be hopeless for the rest of his life.
209. 君子之仕也，行其义也。18.7
A superior man holds office simply for the purpose of performing the righteous duties.
210. 无求备于一人。18.10
Never demand perfection of a person.
211.虽小道，必有可观者焉，致远恐泥，是以君子不为也。（子夏）19.4
Although some skills are minor ones, they are certainly useful, except that they might hinder a lofty target, so a superior man does not practice them.
212. 日知其所亡，月无忘其所能，可谓好学也已矣。（子夏）19.5
Learn every day what is not known and remember every month what is gained, and you will be counted as a true lover of learning. （“亡”的读音和意思均同“无”。）
213.百工居肆以成其事，君子学以致其道。19.7 (子夏)
Just like artisans who complete their work in their workshops, a superior man seeks to master the Way in the course of learning.
214. 小人之过也必文。19.8 (子夏)
A base man is sure to gloss over his faults.
215. 君子信而后劳其民。19.10 (子夏)
A superior man should gain the public confidence before he can employ the people.
216. 大德不逾闲，小德出入可也。19.11 (子夏)
No breach is permitted in matters of major moral principle, but in matters of minor importance, some deviation may be allowed.
217. 仕而优则学，学而优则仕。19.13 (子夏)
An official may devote his spare energy to learning, while a scholar with spare energy may seek to be an official.
218. 上失其道，民散久矣。如得其情，则哀矜而勿喜。19.19 （曾子）
Those in superior positions have long been astray from the right way, only to cause the people to become unruly. So when you have managed to crack a criminal case, feel sad and sympathetic rather than joyful.
219. 君子恶居下流，天下之恶皆归焉。19.20（子贡）
A superior man hates to be in a low-lying moral position, where all the evils of the world would be imputed to him.
（A person caught stealing a sheep would be blamed for all the theft in the village.）
220. 君子之过也，如日月之食焉。过也，人皆见之；更也，人皆仰之。19.21（子贡）
The faults of a superior man are like the eclipses of the sun and the moon. When he has faults, all men witness them; when he has mended them, all men look up to him with admiration.
221. 君子一言以为知，一言以为不知，言不可不慎也。19.25（子贡）
A gentleman may be considered wise for just one word, or unwise for another, so better be cautious when you utter a word.
222. 君子惠而不费。20.2 （政府应允许和鼓励人们做最有利于自己的事而不需要消耗国家财力。The government may allow and encourage the people to do things that will best benefit them without having to consume the state resources.）
A superior man should render others benefits at little of his expense.
223. 不教而杀谓之虐。20.2
To impose death penalty without jural instruction beforehand is called tyranny.
224. 不戒视成谓之暴。 20.2
To demand immediate success without forewarning is called asperity.
225. 慢令致期谓之贼。20.2
To issue an order in a loose way at first and suddenly impose the due date is called frame-up.
THE END
