The Art of Propriety: “Speak, Laugh, and Take Only at the Right Time and in the Right Way”

Gong Ming Jia said: “My master speaks, laughs, and takes only when it is timely, joyful, and righteous, so none are wearied.”

My master speaks when it is the time to speak, and so men do not get tired of his speaking. He laughs when there is occasion to be joyful, and so men do not get tired of his laughing. He takes when it is consistent with righteousness to do so, and so men do not get tired of his taking.

夫子时然后言,人不厌其言;乐然后笑,人不厌其笑;义然后取,人不厌其取。

Source: The Analects, Xian Wen XIV, Chapter 13

Author: Gong Ming Jia

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