Disciples

Chapter 55

Original
Seeing evil in others is introspection,
If there is one, change it without adding an oath.

Translation
When you see other people's bad qualities, you have to reflect on yourself from your heart; if you also have such bad qualities, you must try your best to get rid of them, and even if you don't have them, you should take them as a warning and pay more attention.

allusion
Zeng Zi, Confucius' favorite student, was very strict with himself.Once, someone asked him: "How should I treat myself?" Zeng Zi replied: "I reflect on myself three times a day. Are you unfaithful in conspiring with others? Are you not trusting your friends? Are you not accustomed to passing on?" What Zeng Zi said was: "I have to review myself repeatedly every day: Did I not do my best for others? Didn't I treat my friends with sincerity? Didn't I review the knowledge taught by the teacher carefully?" After hearing this, the man said : "I must bear in mind Mr.'s teachings and review my words and deeds every day. If there is anything wrong with what you said, I will try my best to correct it in time."

Zeng Zi listened, nodded in approval and said, "If you really do this, you will definitely become a powerful and virtuous person."

(End of this chapter)