The Test of True Discernment: When Slander, Subtle or Startling, Finds No Hold

Confucius said: “If neither soaking slander nor startling accusations succeed with a man, he may be called truly discerning.”

He with whom neither slander that gradually soaks into the mind, nor statements that startle like a wound in the flesh, are successful, may be called intelligent indeed.

浸润之谮,肤受之诉,不行焉。可谓明也已矣。

Source: The Analects, Yan Yuan XII, Chapter 6

Author: Confucius

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