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English intent · Chinese classic

A classical Chinese line for “Use the right tools”

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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The closest lines we found

6 source-verified results
✓ Verified sourceBilingual

君子生非异也，善假于物也。

Jūn zǐ xìng fēi yì yě, shàn jiǎ yú wù yě.

Close English reading

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.

Source
Xunzi· Warring States period · Encouraging Learning
Xunzi
Why it fitsIt shifts attention from innate superiority to the intelligent use of tools, systems, and external support.
Original context and translation note
君子生非异也，善假于物也。

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

富与贵，是人之所欲也；不以其道得之，不处也。

Fù yǔ guì, shì rén zhī suǒ yù yě; bù yǐ qí dào dé zhī, bù chǔ yě.

Close English reading

Wealth and honor are what people desire; if they cannot be obtained by the right way, do not accept them.

Plain meaningSuccess is not worth having if it requires the wrong means.

Source
Confucius· Pre-Qin China · Analects 4: Li Ren
The Analects
Why it fitsIt recognizes the desire for success while refusing dishonest methods.
Original context and translation note
子曰：富与贵，是人之所欲也；不以其道得之，不处也。贫与贱，是人之所恶也；不以其道得之，不去也。

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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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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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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先天下之忧而忧，后天下之乐而乐。

Xiān tiān xià zhī yōu ér yōu, hòu tiān xià zhī lè ér lè.

Close English reading

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.

Source
Fan Zhongyan· Northern Song dynasty · Memorial to Yueyang Tower
Guwen Guanzhi: Memorial to Yueyang Tower
Why it fitsIt defines public responsibility through sequence: concern first, enjoyment last.
Original context and translation note
先天下之忧而忧，后天下之乐而乐。

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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君子成人之美，不成人之恶。小人反是。

Jūn zǐ chéng rén zhī měi, bù chéng rén zhī è. Xiǎo rén fǎn shì.

Close English reading

The noble person brings others' good purposes to completion and does not complete their wrongdoing; the petty person does the opposite.

Plain meaningSupport what is good in others instead of helping harm.

Source
Confucius· Pre-Qin China · Analects 12: Yan Yuan
The Analects
Why it fitsIt gives cooperation a moral direction: help good work succeed, but do not enable harm.
Original context and translation note
子曰：君子成人之美，不成人之恶。小人反是。

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

LearningClassical Chinese teachings on steady study, reflection, practice, preparation, and learning from everyone.Work & leadershipSource-verified teachings on strategy, responsibility, teamwork, preparation, talent, tools, discretion, and execution.WisdomSource-verified teachings on priorities, patience, judgment, principles, and learning from others.Fairness & integritySource-verified teachings on equal rules, honest competition, proper means, helping others do good, and resisting unjust advantage.

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A Classical Chinese Line for “Use the right tools” | Gu Ren Said