The Four Failings: A Confucian Anatomy of Ethical Neglect

Confucius listed his great worries: neglect of virtue, learning, righteousness, and self-correction.

The learning virtue without proper cultivation; the not thoroughly discussing what is learned; not being able to move towards righteousness of which a knowledge is gained; and not being able to change what is not good – these are the things which occasion me solicitude.

德之不修,学之不讲,闻义不能徙,不善不能改,是吾忧也。

Source: The Analects, Shu Er VII, Chapter 3

Author: Confucius

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