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
Peach and plum trees do not speak, yet paths form beneath them.
Plain meaningReal character and ability attract respect without self-promotion.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
Work becomes refined through diligence and falls into neglect through play; conduct succeeds through thought and is ruined by careless following.
Plain meaningDiligence needs reflection; effort without thought is not enough.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
Affairs succeed through secrecy; words cause them to fail through disclosure.
Plain meaningSome plans need discretion before they are ready.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
What is gained from paper always feels shallow; to truly know it, one must practice it.
Plain meaningReal understanding comes through doing.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
The exemplary person is not born different; he is skilled at making use of things.
Plain meaningSuccess often comes from using tools and conditions well, not from being superhuman.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
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.
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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