Famous Sayings of Confucius and His Disciples
（吳國珍 編譯）
注：下文除注有（有子）（曾子）等以表明該言論由孔子弟子所發外，其餘言論均爲孔子所發。
1.學而時習之，不亦說乎？ 1.1
Isn’t it a pleasure to learn and constantly practice what is learnt?
2. 有朋自遠方來，不亦樂乎？1.1
Isn’t it delightful to have friends coming from afar?
3. 人不知而不慍，不亦君子乎？1.1
Isn’t he a gentleman who is not annoyed for not being understood?
4. 其爲人也孝弟，而好犯上者，鮮矣；不好犯上，而好作亂者，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，其爲仁之本與！（有子）1.2
Filial piety and fraternal love are the foundation of moral excellence!
6. 巧言令色, 鮮矣仁。1.3
Artful words and flattering countenance have little to do with human goodness.
7. 吾日三省吾身。爲人謀而不忠乎？與朋友交而不信乎？傳不習乎？（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. 過則勿憚改。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. 慎終追遠，民德歸厚矣。（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. 禮之用，和爲貴。（有子）1.12
In carrying out the rules of propriety, harmony is a most valued pursuit.
11. 信近於義，言可複也。（有子）1.13
When credit is based on just grounds, a promise can be fulfilled.
12. 君子食無求飽，居無求安。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. 爲政以德，譬如北辰，居其所而衆星共之。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. 詩三百，一言以蔽之，曰：思無邪。
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，齊之以刑，民免而無耻。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，六十而耳順，七十而從心所欲不逾矩。 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，是謂能養。至於犬馬，皆能有養，不敬，何以別乎？（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. 溫故而知新，可以爲師矣。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. 學而不思則罔，思而不學則殆。2.15
Learning without thinking leads to perplexity; thinking without learning is perilous.
23. 知之爲知之，不知爲不知，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. 人而無信，不知其可也。2.22
I don’t think it all right for a man to go without credibility.
25. 見義不爲，無勇也。 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，如禮何？人而不仁，如樂何？ 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. 君子無所爭。 3.7
A gentleman contends for nothing.
29. 獲罪於天，無所禱也。 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. 里仁爲美。 4.1
It is a nice thing to have benevolent neighbors.
32. 不仁者不可以久處約，不可以長處樂。 4.2
The virtueless cannot live for long either in poverty or in comfort.
33. 唯仁者能好人，能惡人。4.3
It is only the virtuous who know how to love and how to hate.
34. 苟志於仁矣，無惡也。4.4
Those who set their minds to moral goodness will conduct nothing wicked.
35. 富與貴，是人之所欲也，不以其道得之，不處也。 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. 貧與賤，是人之所惡也，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. 人之過也，各於其黨。觀過，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. 朝聞道，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. 士志於道，而耻惡衣惡食者，未足與議也。 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. 君子之於天下也，無適也，無莫也，義之與比。 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. 君子懷德，小人懷土。 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. 安樂鄉)
42. 君子懷刑，小人懷惠。
A superior man holds to legal laws, while a petty man clings to his personal gains. 4.11
43. 放於利而行，多怨。4.12
He who acts merely for personal gains will beget a lot of resentment.
44. 不患無位，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，求爲可知也。4.14
Never mind your not being known by others, but try to seek what can help make yourself known.
46. 君子喻於義，小人喻於利。 4.16
A man of virtue is penetrable to reason; a base man can only be persuaded with benefits.
47. 見賢思齊焉，見不賢而內自省也。 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，不遠游，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. 以約失之者鮮矣。 4.23
He who exercises self-restraint rarely errs.
51. 君子欲訥於言而敏於行。4.24
A superior man should be slow in speech and prompt in action.
52. 德不孤，必有鄰。4.25
A man of virtue will not walk alone; he shall always have company.
( 注：此譯參照利物浦隊隊歌You’ll Never Walk Alone)
53. 事君數，斯辱矣；朋友數，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，糞土之墻不可杇也。5.10
Rotten wood cannot be carved; a wall of dirt cannot be whitewashed.
55. 聽其言而觀其行。5.10
(To judge a man correctly, we should) listen to his words and watch his deeds.
56. 敏而好學，不耻下問。5.15
Be keen on learning and feel no shame in consulting the inferior.
57. 不遷怒，不貳過。6.3
Never vent anger on others, nor repeat your errors.
58. 君子周急不濟富。 6.4
A superior man helps meet an urgent need rather than help enrich the rich.
59. 文質彬彬，然後君子。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，好之者不如樂之者。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. 務民之義，敬鬼神而遠之。 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. 知者樂水，仁者樂山；知者動，仁者靜；知者樂，仁者壽。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. 君子博學於文，約之以禮，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.
（香港中文大學校訓的英譯：Through Learning and Temperance to Virtue 博文約禮）
65. 中庸之爲德也，其至矣乎！民鮮久矣。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，己欲達而達人。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. 默而識之，學而不厭，誨人不倦。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，吾未嘗無誨焉。7.7
I have never refused to teach anyone so long as he presents me with a bundle of dried meat.
69. 不憤不啓，不悱不發。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. 暴虎馮河，死而無悔者，吾不與也。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. 子在齊聞《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. 不義而富且貴，於我如浮雲。7.16
Riches and ranks acquired by unrighteous means are to me like passing clouds.
74. 發憤忘食，樂以忘憂，不知老之將至。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，必有我師焉。擇其善者而從之，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. 人潔己以進，與其潔也，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，苟有過，人必知之。7.31
(Confucius said,) I am lucky that when I have an error, others will surely know it.
79. 君子坦蕩蕩，小人長戚戚。7.37
A gentleman is open and broad-hearted; a base man is always worried and distressed.
80. 恭而無禮則勞。8.2 (過分的恭敬勞而無益。Reverence shown overmuch will do more harm than good.)
Without the regulation of the rules of propriety, reverence turns out to be fatigue.
81. 慎而無禮則葸。8.2 (過分小心反成畏縮。Cautiousness shown overmuch will make one timid.)
Without the regulation of the rules of propriety, cautiousness leads to timidity.
82. 勇而無禮則亂。 8.2 (過分勇敢容易作亂。Boldness displayed overmuch will result in unruly actions.)
Without the regulation of the rules of propriety, boldness results in turbulence.
83. 直而無禮則絞。 8.2 (過分直率會尖酸刺人。Straightforwardness displayed overmuch will make others unhappy.)
Without the regulation of the rules of propriety, straightforwardness causes offence.
84. 鳥之將死，其鳴也哀；人之將死，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，任重而道遠。 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，貧且賤焉，耻也；邦無道，富且貴焉，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，不謀其政。 8.14
He who does not hold the position shall not involve himself in its affairs.
89. 學如不及，猶恐失之。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. 吾少也賤，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，不舍晝夜。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；秀而不實者有矣夫！ 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. 後生可畏，焉知來者之不如今也？ 9.23
Young people are a worthy challenge. Who says that the younger generation will not be as good as the older?
95. 三軍可奪帥也，匹夫不可奪志也。 9.26
While a great army may be made to change its commander, a common person cannot be made to change his ambition. （奪：改變）
96. 歲寒，然後知松柏之後雕也。 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，仁者不憂，勇者不懼。 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. 過猶不及。 11.16
Going beyond is as wrong as falling short.
99. 非吾徒也。小子鳴鼓而攻之可也。11.17 (冉有替季孫家族斂財，孔子呼籲其他弟子批判他。Confucius appealed his disciples to denounce Ran You, one of his disciples who was trying to extort excessive taxes for the royal Jisun Family.)
He is no disciple of mine. You pupils may beat the drum to assail him.
100. 不踐迹，亦不入於室。11.20 （不向古代聖賢學習，一個人的學問和道德修養是無法到達精深的地步的。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，勿施於人。12.2
Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself.
102. 君子不憂不懼。12.4
A superior man is free of anxiety or fear.
103. 四海之內，皆兄弟也。 12.5
All men under the sun are brothers.
104. 民無信不立。 12.7
A government cannot stand without public confidence.
105. 百姓足，君孰與不足？百姓不足，君孰與足？ 12.9（孔子告誡國君要减稅富民。Confucius warned a sovereign that he should cut taxes to enrich the people.）
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，不同地位的人必須履行各自的權利和義務。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. 聽訟，吾猶人也。必也使無訟乎！(孔子希望能建立一個無訴訟的社會，讓一切問題在禮制範圍內解决。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，不成人之惡。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。子帥以正，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，雖賞之不竊。 12.18
If you are not insatiate, no one would steal even if you should reward them for doing that.
111. 君子之德風，小人之德草，草上之風，必偃。 12.19 （孔子認爲領導人要帶頭建立良好的社會風尚以影響一般民衆。Leaders should take the lead in establishing good social customs to influence the common people.）
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.
112. 子欲善而民善矣。 12.19 （這是對國君說的。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. 攻其惡，無攻人之惡。12.21
Rebuke yourself for your faults instead of rebuking others for theirs.
114. 忠告而善道之，不可則止，毋自辱也。12.23 （Confucius warned not to impose one’s advice on friends, not even when he thinks his advice is the best in the world.）
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.
115. 君子以文會友，以友輔仁。 12.24 （曾子）
A superior man gathers friends on literary grounds, and fosters his own morality with the help of such friends.
116. 名不正則言不順，言不順則事不成。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. 上好義，則民莫敢不服。13.4
If a state ruler loves righteousness, the people cannot but show their submission.
118. 上好信，則民莫敢不用情。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，雖令不從。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，於從政乎何有？13.13
If one makes himself upright, what difficulty will he have in government?
123. 無欲速，無見小利。13.17
Do not want things done too hastily; do not covet petty gains.
124. 見小利則大事不成。13.17
Coveting petty gains will fail great accomplishment.
125. 欲速則不達。13.17
More haste, less speed.
126. 言必信，行必果，硜硜然小人哉！13.20 （孟子也認爲，大人物說話如果不符合公義，可以不算數。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. 君子易事而難說也。說之不以道，不說也。13.25 （說 = 悅，取悅）
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. 君子泰而不驕，小人驕而不泰。13.26
A superior man is poised but not arrogant, while a base man is arrogant but not poised.
130. 以不教民戰，是謂弃之。13.30 （不教 = 未經訓練的）
To send untrained people to war is to send them to grave.
131. 士而懷居，不足以爲士矣。14.2（懷居 = 留戀安逸的生活）
A scholar who indulges in domestic comfort cannot be counted as a worthy scholar.
132. 邦有道，危言危行；邦無道，危行言孫。14.3 （孫 = 遜，低調）
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. 愛之，能勿勞乎？忠焉，能勿誨乎？ 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. 貧而無怨難，富而無驕易。 14.10
It is hard to live in poverty without making complaints. It is easier to live in plenty without being arrogant.
137. 見利思義，見危授命。14.12
Check if it is righteous before a chance of gain and be ready to give life at a critical moment.
138. 時然後言，人不厭其言。14.13
Speak when it is time to speak, and no one will get tired of what you say.
139. 義然後取，人不厭其取。14.13
Take what is rightful to take, and no one will dislikes your taking.
140. 其言之不怍，則爲之也難。14.20 （大言不慚的人要說到做到也難。）
He who talks big without feeling ashamed will find it difficult to put his words into practice.
141. 君子上達，小人下達。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. 君子耻其言而過其行。14.27
A superior man considers it a shame to have more words than deeds.
144. 仁者不憂，知者不惑，勇者不懼。14.28
The virtuous won’t be anxiety-ridden, the wise won’t get bewildered and the courageous are fearless.
145. 不逆詐，不億不信。14.31 （不事先懷疑別人欺詐，不隨意猜測別人不誠實。）
Never suspect others of a fraud beforehand; never presume others’ incredibility.
146. 驥不稱其力，稱其德也。14.33
A good horse is not judged by its strength, but by its excellent qualities.
147. 以直報怨，以德報德。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，是爲賊。 14.43 （孔子駡原壤的話。Confucius scolded a friend who always behaved badly.）
Now at your old age you still wouldn’t die. You are a pest!
150. 君子固窮，小人窮斯濫矣。15.2
A man of virtue maintains steadfast in adversity, while a base man may act recklessly in it.
151. 言忠信，行篤敬，雖蠻貊之邦，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，行不篤敬，雖州裏，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，則仕；邦無道，則可卷而懷之。 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. 可與言而不與之言，失人；不可與言而與之言，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，無求生以害仁，有殺身以成仁。 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. 人無遠慮，必有近憂。15.12
Those who have no long-term worries are bound to have some immediate ones.
158. 躬自厚而薄責於人，則遠怨矣。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 (孔子幽默地諷刺那些從不主動尋求解决問題的人。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. 群居終日，言不及義，好行小慧，難矣哉！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. 君子病無能焉，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. 君子疾沒世而名不稱焉。15.20
A man of virtue worries that he may end up with no reputation.
163. 君子求諸己，小人求諸人。15.21
A virtuous man finds faults in himself while a base man finds faults in others.
164. 君子矜而不爭，群而不黨。15.22
Men of virtue are dignified, but do not contend against each other. They are sociable, but do not gang up.
165. 君子不以言舉人，不以人廢言。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. 巧言亂德。小不忍則亂大謀。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 (要堅持和發揚真理，而不是試圖用真理來給自己鍍金。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. 過而不改，是謂過矣。15.30
An error is a real error when not corrected.
169. 吾嘗終日不食，終夜不寢，以思，無益，不如學也。 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. 君子謀道不謀食。15.32 (身居高位的人考慮的是大事而不是養家糊口。A high-ranking official should think of something big rather than their bread.)
A superior man seeks for the truth rather than food.
171. 君子憂道不憂貧。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. 當仁，不讓於師。15.36
Never wait for your teacher to go ahead when facing a just cause.
174. 君子貞而不諒。15.37
A superior man upholds justice, but does not necessarily keep faith on minor issues.
175. 有教無類。15.39
Let there be education for all irrespective of learners’ background.
（One of UNESCO’s core goals is Education For All, 即有教無類。）
176. 道不同，不相爲謀。 15.40
Those who are not in the same camp do not plan together.
177. 辭達而已矣。 15.41
All that matters in wording is to get the point across.
178. 不患寡而患不均，不患貧而患不安。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. 均無貧，和無寡，安無傾。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，友諒，友多聞，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，損矣。16.4
It is harmful to have friendship with the wicked, the flatterers and the glib-tongued.
182. 樂節禮樂，樂道人之善，樂多賢友，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. 樂驕樂，樂佚游，樂晏樂，損矣。16.5
It is harmful to take delight in excessive enjoyment, in being addicted to idleness, and in indulging oneself in feasts.
184. 言未及之而言謂之躁，言及之而不言謂之隱，未見顔色而言謂之瞽。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：少之時，血氣未定，戒之在色；及其壯也，血氣方剛，戒之在鬥；及其老也，血氣既衰，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，畏聖人之言。16.8
A man of virtue holds these three in awe: the will of Heaven, men in authority and words of sages.
187. 困而不學，民斯爲下矣。16.9
Those who are confused and yet refuse to learn are people of the lowest grade.
188. 見得思義。16.10
Think if it is righteous before you take.
189. 見善如不及，見不善如探湯。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. 不學禮，無以立。16.13
Without learning the rules of propriety, you will get no footing.
191. 不學詩，無以言。16.13
Without learning the Book of Poetry, you will not have good wording.
192. 性相近也，習相遠也。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. 恭則不侮，寬則得衆，信則人任焉，敏則有功，惠則足以使人。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. 好仁不好學，其蔽也愚。17.8
Loving to show benevolence without loving to learn may lead to being fooled.
196. 好知不好學，其蔽也蕩。17.8
Loving to show wisdom without loving to learn may lead to random actions.
197. 好信不好學，其蔽也賊。17.8
Loving to show sincerity without loving to learn may bring about harm.
198. 好直不好學，其蔽也絞。17.8
Loving to show straightforwardness without loving to learn may lead to acerbity.
199. 好勇不好學，其蔽也亂。17.8
Loving to show courage without loving to learn may lead to rampage.
200. 好剛不好學，其蔽也狂。17.8
Loving to show staunchness without loving to learn may lead to arrogance.
201. 鄉願，德之賊也。17.13
Those goody-goody rustics are spoilers of morality.
202. 道聽而塗說，德之弃也。17.14
To spread hearsay is to go against morality.
203. 天何言哉？四時行焉，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. 飽食終日，無所用心，難矣哉！ 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. 君子有勇而無義爲亂，小人有勇而無義爲盜。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. 惡稱人之惡者，惡居下流而訕上者，惡勇而無禮者，惡果敢而窒者。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. 唯女子與小人爲難養也。17.25
Women and inferior men are hard to deal with.
208. 年四十而見惡焉，其終也已。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，行其義也。18.7
A superior man holds office simply for the purpose of performing the righteous duties.
210. 無求備於一人。18.10
Never demand perfection of a person.
211.雖小道，必有可觀者焉，致遠恐泥，是以君子不爲也。（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，月無忘其所能，可謂好學也已矣。（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”的讀音和意思均同“無”。）
213.百工居肆以成其事，君子學以致其道。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. 小人之過也必文。19.8 (子夏)
A base man is sure to gloss over his faults.
215. 君子信而後勞其民。19.10 (子夏)
A superior man should gain the public confidence before he can employ the people.
216. 大德不逾閑，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. 仕而優則學，學而優則仕。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，則哀矜而勿喜。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. 君子惡居下流，天下之惡皆歸焉。19.20（子貢） （A person caught stealing a sheep would be blamed for all the theft in the village.）
A superior man hates to be in a low-lying moral position, where all the evils of the world would be imputed to him.
220. 君子之過也，如日月之食焉。過也，人皆見之；更也，人皆仰之。19.21（子貢）
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. 君子一言以爲知，一言以爲不知，言不可不慎也。19.25（子貢）
A gentleman may be considered wise for just one word, or unwise for another, so better be cautious when you utter a word.
222. 君子惠而不費。20.2 （政府應允許和鼓勵人們做最有利於自己的事而不需要消耗國家財力。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. 不教而殺謂之虐。20.2
To impose death penalty without jural instruction beforehand is called tyranny.
224. 不戒視成謂之暴。 20.2
To demand immediate success without forewarning is called asperity.
225. 慢令致期謂之賊。20.2
To issue an order in a loose way at first and suddenly impose the due date is called frame-up.
THE END