Original text

1·8 Confucius said: "A gentleman (1), if he does not attach importance to (2), he will not have authority; if his knowledge is not solid (3), he will be loyal and trustworthy (4)." If you don’t have (5) friends who are worse than yourself (6); if you have (7), don’t be afraid of (8) changing.”

Notes

(1) Gentleman: This word has always been used throughout This paragraph continues, so there should be a sentence break here.

(2) Zhong: solemn, self-sustained.

(3) The academic principles are not solid: there are two explanations: one is to make The solid interpretation is connected with the previous sentence. If there is no solemnity, there will be no majesty, and what has been learned will not be solid; the second is to use the solid interpretation, which means that people have little knowledge and knowledge, and they will not be stubborn after learning.

(4) The Lord is loyal and faithful. : Focus on loyalty.

(5) Wu: Tongwu, meaning "don't want".

(6) Not as good as yourself: Generally interpreted as not as good as yourself. Another explanation Said, "Those who are not as good as oneself are not similar to oneself. The so-called 'different ways do not work together'." Interpret "such" as "similar". The latter explanation is more in line with Confucius' original intention.

(7) Guo: fault, fault.

(8) Fear: sound dàn, fear, fear.

Translation

Confucius said: "The gentleman , there is no majesty without solemnity; learning can make people not closed-minded; loyalty should be the main thing, and do not make friends with people who are different from you; if you make a mistake, don't be afraid to correct it."