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The paradigmatic Chinese sage expounds on leading an ethical and fulfilled life.

Page 129 of 547
Table of Contents

IX

Tsai Yü being asleep during the daytime, the Master said, “Rotten wood cannot be carved; a wall of dirty earth will not receive the trowel. This Yü!⁠—what is the use of my reproving him?”

The Master said, “At first, my way with men was to hear their words, and give them credit for their conduct. Now my way is to hear their words, and look at their conduct. It is from Yü that I have learned to make this change.”

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