“ Can men refuse to be pleased with words of gentle advice? ”
Confucius, Analects. copy citation
| Author | Confucius |
|---|---|
| Source | Analects |
| Topic | advice words |
| Date | |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by James Legge |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/3330/pg3330-images.html |
Context
“If he reach the age of forty or fifty, and has not made himself heard of, then indeed he will not be worth being regarded with respect.'
CHAP. XXV. The Master said, 'Can men refuse to assent to the words of strict admonition? But it is reforming the conduct because of them which is valuable. Can men refuse to be pleased with words of gentle advice? But it is unfolding their aim which is valuable. If a man be pleased with these words, but does not unfold their aim, and assents to those, but does not reform his conduct, I can really do nothing with him.' CHAP.”
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