English intent · Chinese classic
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.
Best verified matches
To know others is intelligence; to know oneself is clarity.
Plain meaningUnderstanding yourself is the deeper wisdom.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
Praised by the whole world, he is not further encouraged; condemned by the whole world, he is not discouraged.
Plain meaningLet neither praise nor criticism control who you are.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
After choosing through every cold branch, it still refuses to settle, alone on the chilly sandbar.
Plain meaningI would rather remain alone than settle where I do not belong.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
Know contentment and avoid disgrace; know where to stop and avoid danger; then you can endure.
Plain meaningKnow what is enough and when to stop.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
Be concerned before all under heaven are concerned, and enjoy happiness only after all under heaven enjoy it.
Plain meaningLeadership means carrying responsibility before taking reward.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
Wealth and honor cannot corrupt him, poverty and low status cannot move him, and force cannot make him bend.
Plain meaningHold your principles through temptation, hardship, and pressure.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.