The gentleman has nine cares. In seeing he is careful to…
“The gentleman has nine cares. In seeing he is careful to see clearly; in hearing he is careful to hear distinctly; in his looks he is careful to be kind, in his manner to be respectful, in his words to be sincere, in his work to be diligent. When in doubt he is careful to ask for information; when angry he has a care for the consequences; and when he sees a chance for gain, he thinks carefully whether the pursuits of it would be right.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A gentleman practices mindfulness in perception, speech, conduct, and decision‑making, balancing caution with integrity.
In simple terms: Be careful and sincere in all actions.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate attentive, ethical habits.
Themes
mindfulness
ethics
self‑discipline
integrity
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
advice
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace interactions
- conflict resolution
- financial decisions
- learning new skills
Key Concepts
Confucianism
virtue ethics
mindful awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance carefulness with decisive action?
- When does caution become a barrier?
A Different Perspective
May become overly cautious, hindering spontaneity or risk‑taking.