Benefits Quote by Confucius
“For benefits return benefits; for injuries return justice without any admixture of revenge.”
About This Quote
Source Analects: Book 12, Chapter 12 (Ancient Chinese text) by Confucius, 5th century BC
Reciprocity should be balanced and pure, rewarding good deeds and punishing harm without vengeance.
In simple terms: Return good for good, justice for harm, no revenge.
Key Takeaway
Practice fair reciprocity without seeking revenge.
Themes
justice
reciprocity
ethics
balance
virtue
Mood
balanced
thoughtful
principled
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal systems
- family disputes
- international relations
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social harmony
retributive justice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can justice be tempered with mercy?
- What mechanisms ensure fairness?
A Different Perspective
Strict justice can be rigid and lack compassion.
![“[The Dalai Lama] told me some years ago, "I've made every concession to China, and I've been as open and tolerant as I could, and still things get worse in Tibet." If you look at it from one point of view, as he himself says, his monastic position of forbearance and nonviolence hasn't reaped any…” quote by Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9fe/pico-iyer-1252_benefits_the-dalai-lama-told-me-some-years-ago-i_678.jpg)
