Li Ren (Book 4: Dwelling in Benevolence)

Confucius said, "To dwell in a place where there is Ren (benevolence) is good. How can one be considered wise if they choose a residence without Ren?"

Confucius said, "Those who are not Ren cannot endure prolonged hardship, nor can they enjoy prolonged ease. The Ren rest in Ren; the wise find Ren beneficial and act accordingly."

Confucius said, "Only the Ren can rightly love others and rightly hate others."

Confucius said, "If one sets their will on Ren, they will do no evil."

Confucius said, "Wealth and high position are what everyone desires, but if not obtained by proper means, the gentleman does not accept them. Poverty and low station are what everyone dislikes, but if not escaped by proper means, the gentleman does not avoid them. If the gentleman abandons Ren, how can he fulfill his name? The gentleman does not depart from Ren even for the space of a single meal; in moments of urgency, he is always with Ren, and in times of turmoil and wandering, he is always with Ren."

Confucius said, "I have never seen one who truly loves Ren, nor one who truly hates the non-Ren. One who truly loves Ren is unsurpassable; one who truly hates the non-Ren practices Ren by not allowing what is not Ren to attach to themselves. Is there anyone who can devote all their strength to Ren for even a single day? I have never seen one who lacks the strength. Perhaps such people exist, but I have not seen them."

Confucius said, "People's faults each have their own type. By observing a person's faults, one knows whether they have Ren."

Confucius said, "If in the morning one hears the Way, it is acceptable to die that evening."

Confucius said, "A scholar who sets his heart on the Way, yet is ashamed of wearing shabby clothes and eating coarse food—such a one is not worth discussing with."

Confucius said, "The gentleman has no fixed preference or aversion in the world; he aligns with Yi (righteousness)."

Confucius said, "The gentleman thinks of virtue; the petty man thinks of his native soil. The gentleman thinks of the law; the petty man thinks of favors."

Confucius said, "If one acts solely by considering profit, they will incur much resentment."

Confucius said, "If one can govern a state with Li (ritual) and yielding, what difficulty is there? If one cannot govern with Li and yielding, what use is Li?"

Confucius said, "Do not worry about having no position; worry about having no standing. Do not worry that no one knows you; seek to become worthy of being known."

Confucius said, "Zeng Shen! My doctrine is threaded through with one principle." Zengzi replied, "Yes." After Confucius left, the other disciples asked, "What does this mean?" Zengzi said, "The Master's doctrine is simply zhong (loyalty) and shu (reciprocity)."

Confucius said, "The gentleman understands Yi (righteousness); the petty man understands li (profit)."

Confucius said, "When seeing a worthy person, think of becoming equal to them; when seeing an unworthy person, reflect inwardly upon yourself."

Confucius said, "In serving parents, if they have faults, remonstrate gently. If your intention is not heeded, remain respectful without offending, and though grieved, do not resent."

Confucius said, "While parents are alive, do not travel far; if you must travel, have a definite destination."

Confucius said, "If for three years after the father's death, the son does not alter the father's ways, he may be called filial."

Confucius said, "The ages of one's parents must be known: on one hand, rejoice at their longevity; on the other, worry at their decline."

Confucius said, "The ancients were slow to speak, for they were ashamed if their actions fell short."

Confucius said, "Those who restrain themselves and err are few."

Confucius said, "The gentleman wishes to be slow in speech and quick in action."

Confucius said, "The virtuous are not solitary; they will surely have neighbors who share their way."

Ziyou said, "In serving one's lord, if remonstration is too frequent, it brings disgrace; in friendship, if remonstration is too frequent, it leads to estrangement."