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A classical Chinese line for “Rules should apply to everyone”

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
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法不阿贵，绳不挠曲。

Fǎ bù ē guì, shéng bù náo qū.

Close English reading

Law does not bend toward the powerful; the marking line does not curve around what is crooked.

Plain meaningRules should apply equally, even to the powerful.

Source
Han Fei· Warring States period · You Du (Having Standards)
Han Feizi
Why it fitsThe measuring line becomes an image of a standard that refuses to bend for status.
Original context and translation note
法不阿贵，绳不挠曲。

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

三人行，必有我师焉。择其善者而从之，其不善者而改之。

Sān rén xíng, bì yǒu wǒ shī yān. Zé qí shàn zhě ér cóng zhī, qí bù shàn zhě ér gǎi zhī.

Close English reading

When three people walk together, one of them must be my teacher. I follow what is good in them and correct in myself what is not good.

Plain meaningEveryone can teach you something—through an example to follow or a mistake to avoid.

Source
Confucius· Pre-Qin China · Analects 7: Shu Er
The Analects
Why it fitsIt turns ordinary encounters into a disciplined practice of learning and self-correction.
Original context and translation note
三人行，必有我师焉。择其善者而从之，其不善者而改之。

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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人谁无过？过而能改，善莫大焉。

Rén shuí wú guò? Guò ér néng gǎi, shàn mò dà yān.

Close English reading

Who among people is without fault? To err and then correct it—no goodness is greater.

Plain meaningEveryone makes mistakes; what matters is changing.

Source
Zuo Qiuming· Spring and Autumn period · Duke Xuan, Year Two
Zuo Commentary
Why it fitsIt combines realism about human error with a strong standard for repair.
Original context and translation note
人谁无过？过而能改，善莫大焉。

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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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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回眸一笑百媚生，六宫粉黛无颜色。

Huí móu yī xiào bǎi mèi shēng, liù gōng fěn dài wú yán sè.

Close English reading

At one backward glance and smile, a hundred charms came alive; the painted beauties of the six palaces lost their color.

Plain meaningHer smile outshines everyone around her.

Source
Bai Juyi· Tang dynasty · Song of Everlasting Sorrow
Complete Tang Poems
Why it fitsThe line praises a single smile by showing every other beauty fade beside it.
Original context and translation note
回眸一笑百媚生，六宫粉黛无颜色。

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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老当益壮，宁移白首之心；穷且益坚，不坠青云之志。

Lǎo dāng yì zhuàng, nǐng yí bái shǒu zhī xīn; qióng qiě yì jiān, bù zhuì qīng yún zhī zhì.

Close English reading

In old age one should grow still stronger—how could a white-haired heart be changed? In hardship one should grow still firmer and never let high aspiration fall.

Plain meaningNeither age nor hardship should make you abandon a worthy ambition.

Source
Wang Bo· Tang dynasty · Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng
Guwen Guanzhi: Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng
Why it fitsThe paired clauses join aging and adversity as two pressures that can strengthen rather than erase resolve.
Original context and translation note
老当益壮，宁移白首之心；穷且益坚，不坠青云之志。

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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Related themes

Fairness & integritySource-verified teachings on equal rules, honest competition, proper means, helping others do good, and resisting unjust advantage.Work & leadershipSource-verified teachings on strategy, responsibility, teamwork, preparation, talent, tools, discretion, and execution.CourageClassical Chinese sayings about integrity under wealth, hardship, pressure, praise, and criticism.LearningClassical Chinese teachings on steady study, reflection, practice, preparation, and learning from everyone.WisdomSource-verified teachings on priorities, patience, judgment, principles, and learning from others.Mistakes & renewalClassical teachings about admitting mistakes, repairing damage, learning from history, daily renewal, and finding another way forward.

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A Classical Chinese Line for “Rules should apply to everyone” | Gu Ren Said