The Master’s Own Audit: A Humble Inventory of Commonplace Virtues

Confucius asked himself: In serving ministers abroad, family at home, in mourning duties, and in abstaining from wine—which of these have I truly achieved?

Abroad, to serve the high ministers and nobles; at home, to serve one’s father and elder brothers; in all duties to the dead, not to dare not to exert one’s self; and not to be overcome of wine – which one of these things do I attain to?

出则事公卿,入则事父兄,丧事不敢不勉,不为酒困,何有于我哉?

Source: The Analects, Zi Han IX, Chapter 16

Author: Confucius

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