Skip to content

May I inquire about how to be a person’s lord?”9 I say…

“May I inquire about how to be a person’s lord?”9 I say: Make divisions and distributions according to ritual. Be evenhanded, inclusive, and not one-sided. “May I inquire about how to be a person’s minister?” I say: Serve (85) your lord according to ritual. Be loyal, compliant, and not lazy. “May I…” quote by Xun Kuang
Download Open image
““May I inquire about how to be a person’s lord?”9 I say: Make divisions and distributions according to ritual. Be evenhanded, inclusive, and not one-sided. “May I inquire about how to be a person’s minister?” I say: Serve (85) your lord according to ritual. Be loyal, compliant, and not lazy. “May I inquire about how to be a person’s father?” I say: Be broadminded, kind, and follow the dictates of ritual. “May I inquire about how to be a person’s son?” I say: Be respectful, loving, and have utmost good form. (90) “May I inquire about how to be a person’s elder brother?” I say: Be compassionate, loving, and display friendliness. “May I inquire about how to be a person’s younger brother?” I say: Be respectful, acquiescent, and do nothing improper. “May I inquire about how to be a person’s husband?” I say: Be (95) extremely hardworking and do not stray. Be extremely watchful and follow proper distinctions. “May I inquire about the proper way to be a person’s wife?” I say: If your husband follows the dictates of ritual, then compliantly obey him and wait upon him attentively. If your husband does not (100) follow the dictates of ritual, then be apprehensive but keep yourself respectful.10 If these ways are established in a one-sided manner,11 then there will be chaos, but if they are established in a comprehensive manner, there will be order, so this matter is worth keeping watch over.12””

Xun Kuang

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage outlines proper conduct in various relational roles, emphasizing ritual, balance, and mutual respect to maintain social harmony.

In simple terms: Follow ritual and balance in relationships to keep order.

Key Takeaway

Practice balanced, respectful behavior in each role.

Themes

social harmony ritual balance respect order

Mood

reflective thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • family dynamics
  • leadership
  • marriage
  • friendship
  • workplace

Key Concepts

Confucian ethics role theory social hierarchy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you apply balanced respect in your current relationships?
  • What rituals help maintain harmony in your community?
A Different Perspective

If roles are one‑sided, chaos ensues; requires mutual effort.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Xun Kuang

Explore all 7 Xun Kuang quotes

More Marriage quotes

Browse all 31,920 Marriage quotes