The Wisdom of the Superior Man: He May Be Led to the Well, But Not Into It

Confucius said: A gentleman can be led to the well, but not trapped into it; he can be deceived, but not fooled.

Why should he do so? A superior man may be made to go to the well, but he cannot be made to go down into it. He may be imposed upon, but he cannot be fooled.

何为其然也?君子可逝也,不可陷也;可欺也,不可罔也。

Source: The Analects, Yong Ye VI, Chapter 26

Author: Confucius

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