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A classical Chinese line for “Do not rush”

These matches come from a curated corpus of real Chinese poetry and philosophy. The source line is fixed; the English wording is provided to make its meaning accessible.

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6 source-verified results
✓ Verified sourceBilingual

欲速则不达，见小利则大事不成。

Yù sù zé bù dá, jiàn xiǎo lì zé dà shì bù chéng.

Close English reading

If you desire speed, you will not arrive; if you chase small gains, great work will not be completed.

Plain meaningDo not let impatience or short-term rewards ruin the larger goal.

Source
Confucius· Pre-Qin China · Analects 13: Zi Lu
The Analects
Why it fitsIt links haste and short-term thinking to failure at work that matters.
Original context and translation note
无欲速，无见小利。欲速则不达，见小利则大事不成。

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

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✓ Verified sourceBilingual

人非生而知之者，孰能无惑？

Rén fēi shēng ér zhī zhī zhě, shú néng wú huò?

Close English reading

People are not born knowing; who can be without questions?

Plain meaningNot knowing is normal—ask and learn.

Source
Han Yu· Tang dynasty · On Teachers
Guwen Guanzhi: On Teachers
Why it fitsThe question removes shame from uncertainty and makes seeking instruction reasonable.
Original context and translation note
人非生而知之者，孰能无惑？

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

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不期修古，不法常可。

Bù qī xiū gǔ, bù fǎ cháng kě.

Close English reading

Do not expect to restore the ancient ways, and do not treat customary methods as permanently valid.

Plain meaningAdapt to reality instead of copying old solutions.

Source
Han Fei· Warring States period · The Five Vermin
Han Feizi
Why it fitsIt rejects automatic reverence for precedent when circumstances have changed.
Original context and translation note
不期修古，不法常可。

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

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✓ Verified sourceBilingual

不以物喜，不以己悲。

Bù yǐ wù xǐ, bù yǐ jǐ bēi.

Close English reading

Do not rejoice because of external things, nor grieve because of personal loss.

Plain meaningKeep your balance through success and setback.

Source
Fan Zhongyan· Northern Song dynasty · Memorial to Yueyang Tower
Collected Works of Fan Zhongyan
Why it fitsIt describes emotional steadiness that is not controlled by possessions, status, or personal fortune.
Original context and translation note
予尝求古仁人之心，或异二者之为。

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

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山有木兮木有枝，心悦君兮君不知。

Shān yǒu mù xī mù yǒu zhī, xīn yuè jūn xī jūn bù zhī.

Close English reading

The mountain has trees and the trees have branches; my heart delights in you, yet you do not know.

Plain meaningI love you, but you do not know how I feel.

Source
Anonymous· Pre-Qin China · Song of the Yue Boatman
Shuo Yuan (Garden of Stories)
Why it fitsFew classical lines express unspoken affection more clearly: the feeling is real, but remains unknown to the beloved.
Original context and translation note
山有木兮木有枝，心悦君兮君不知。

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

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✓ Verified sourceBilingual

己所不欲，勿施于人。

Jǐ suǒ bù yù, wù shī yú rén.

Close English reading

What you do not desire for yourself, do not impose upon others.

Plain meaningRespect other people by refusing to force on them what you would reject yourself.

Source
Confucius· Pre-Qin China · Analects 15: Wei Ling Gong
The Analects
Why it fitsThis is a restraint-based formulation of reciprocity: begin by limiting the harm or pressure you place on others.
Original context and translation note
己所不欲，勿施于人。

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

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Translation note: The English readings are original explanatory translations for this product. They are designed for clarity and source verification, not presented as definitive literary translations.

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WisdomSource-verified teachings on priorities, patience, judgment, principles, and learning from others.LearningClassical Chinese teachings on steady study, reflection, practice, preparation, and learning from everyone.PerspectiveClassical Chinese lines about knowing yourself, seeing blind spots, widening experience, focus, humility, and proportion.Work & leadershipSource-verified teachings on strategy, responsibility, teamwork, preparation, talent, tools, discretion, and execution.Inner peaceClassical Chinese lines about calm, simplicity, freedom from noise, and a mind not controlled by praise or blame.LifeVerified classical Chinese lines about enjoying the present, weathering change, and choosing what deserves your attention.

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A Classical Chinese Line for “Do not rush” | Gu Ren Said