--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A gentleman, in his plans, thinks of the…" description: "\"A gentleman, in his plans, thinks of the Way; he does not think how he is going to make a living. Even farming sometimes has a shortage; and even learn..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f52/confucius-164_anxious_a-gentleman-in-his-plans-thinks-of-the-w_2950370.jpg" --- # A gentleman, in his plans, thinks of the Way; he does not… ![“A gentleman, in his plans, thinks of the Way; he does not think how he is going to make a living. Even farming sometimes has a shortage; and even learning may incidentally bring a salary. A gentleman is concerned with the progress of the Way; he is not anxious about poverty.” quote by Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f52/confucius-164_anxious_a-gentleman-in-his-plans-thinks-of-the-w_2950370.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f52/confucius-164_anxious_a-gentleman-in-his-plans-thinks-of-the-w_2950370.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f52/confucius-164_anxious_a-gentleman-in-his-plans-thinks-of-the-w_2950370.jpg) > “A gentleman, in his plans, thinks of the Way; he does not think how he is going to make a living. Even farming sometimes has a shortage; and even learning may incidentally bring a salary. A gentleman is concerned with the progress of the Way; he is not anxious about poverty.” [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A true gentleman prioritizes moral development over material concerns, trusting that virtue will naturally sustain him. **In simple terms:** Focus on virtue, not wealth. Key Takeaway Cultivate character, not wealth. Themes virtue philosophy self‑reliance Mood reflective calm Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - career choices - financial decisions - personal growth - teaching - community service Key Concepts Confucianism ethical living Questions to Reflect On - How can you balance moral goals with daily responsibilities? - What does “the Way” mean to you? A Different Perspective Neglecting practical needs can cause hardship. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Anxious](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/anxious/) [Concerned](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/concerned/) [Doe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doe/) [Farming](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/farming/) [Gentleman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gentleman/) [Gentleman Concerned](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gentleman-concerned-4443069/) [Gentleman Plans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gentleman-plans-1657205/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [May](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/may/) [Planning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/planning/) [Plans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/plans/) [Plans Thinks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/plans-thinks-1657208/) [Poverty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poverty/) [Progress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/progress/) [Salary](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/salary/) [Shortage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shortage/) [Sometimes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sometimes/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Thinks Way](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinks-way-1706755/) [Way](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/way/) ## Related quotes > [The Master said, A gentleman, in his plans, thinks of the Way; he does not think how he is going to make a living.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/the-master-said-a-gentleman-in-his-plans-thinks-of-the-way-he-does/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [A little rain, a little blood. Black fingernails in August; and going berserk, going bananas. As if entrapped in a tropical heatwave, with dozens…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adam-zagajewski/a-little-rain-a-little-blood-black-fingernails-in-august-and-going/) [Adam Zagajewski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-zagajewski/) > [What a joy to find soeomne else who thinks this way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/river/what-a-joy-to-find-soeomne-else-who-thinks-this-way/) [River](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river/) > [If everyone thinks one way, it is likely to be wrong. 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The four seasons come and go, and all creatures thrive and grow. 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