c. 551-c. 479 BCE, Chinese Philosopher, Educator
Action / Effort
A gentleman covets the reputation of being slow in word but prompt in deed.
The Analects of Confucius , IV.24, Arthur Waley, tr., 1989
Actualization / Fulfillment
When the personal life is cultivated, the family will be regulated; when the family is regulated, the state will be in order; and when the state is in order, there will be peace throughout the world. From the Son of Heaven down to the common people, all must regard cultivation of the personal life as the root or foundation.
Da Xue
Adversity
The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.
Balance
Where the solid qualities are in excess of accomplishments, we have rusticity; where the accomplishments are in excess of the solid qualities, we have the manners of a clerk. When the accomplishments and solid qualities are equally blended, we then have the man of virtue.
Analects
Wisdom for The Soul: Five Millennia of Prescriptions for Spiritual Healing , © 2004