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

Page 322 of 547
Table of Contents

VIII

Chî Tsze-ch’ǎng said, “In a superior man it is only the substantial qualities which are wanted;⁠—why should we seek for ornamental accomplishments?”

Tsze-kung said, “Alas! Your words, sir, show you to be a superior man, but four horses cannot overtake the tongue. Ornament is as substance; substance is as ornament. The hide of a tiger or a leopard stripped of its hair, is like the hide of a dog or a goat stripped of its hair.”

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