The Three Beneficial Pleasures: Confucius’s Formula for Joy That Elevates

Confucius said: “There are three beneficial pleasures: joy in rites and music, in praising others, and in worthy friends.”

There are three things men find enjoyment in which are advantageous, to find enjoyment in the discriminating study of ceremonies and music; to find enjoyment in speaking of the goodness of others; to find enjoyment in having many worthy friends – these are advantageous.

益者三乐:乐节礼乐,乐道人之善,乐多贤友,益矣。

Source: The Analects, Ji Shi XVI, Chapter 5

Author: Confucius

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top