Gentleman Quote by Confucius
“The gentleman sees what is right while the small man sees what is profitable.”
About This Quote
Source Analects: Book 15, 5th century BC
Moral integrity guides actions, while selfish motives focus on profit, highlighting ethical vs. material priorities.
In simple terms: Rightness vs. profit.
Key Takeaway
Choose integrity over short‑term gain.
Themes
ethics
integrity
wealth
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business decisions
- political leadership
- personal finance
- community service
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you faced a choice between ethics and profit?
- Can profit be aligned with moral values?
A Different Perspective
Profit motives can sometimes fund greater good.
![“I failed, I think, seven [or] eight times before I finally got my first [championship]. It was just, you know, just about me growing up. Now that I'm an old, old veteran-age 29-I do things a lot differently. I don't go to the gentlemen's clubs anymore. I had to slow that down.” quote by Shaquille O'Neal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/08f/shaquille-o-neal-659_age_i-failed-i-think-seven-or-eight-times-be_2731.jpg)
