--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If doing what ought to be done be made…" description: "\"If doing what ought to be done be made the first business and success a secondary consideration--is not this the way to exalt virtue?\" — Confucius" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/85d/confucius-164_business_if-doing-what-ought-to-be-done-be-made-t_2890338.jpg" --- # If doing what ought to be done be made the first business… ![“If doing what ought to be done be made the first business and success a secondary consideration--is not this the way to exalt virtue?” quote by Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/85d/confucius-164_business_if-doing-what-ought-to-be-done-be-made-t_2890338.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/85d/confucius-164_business_if-doing-what-ought-to-be-done-be-made-t_2890338.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/85d/confucius-164_business_if-doing-what-ought-to-be-done-be-made-t_2890338.jpg) > “If doing what ought to be done be made the first business and success a secondary consideration--is not this the way to exalt virtue?” [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. Prioritizing moral duty over profit elevates virtue above material gain. **In simple terms:** Duty before profit. Key Takeaway Put virtue first. Themes ethics virtue business priorities Mood thoughtful serious Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - entrepreneurship - public service - personal decisions Key Concepts moral philosophy leadership Questions to Reflect On - How can you balance duty and success? - What sacrifices are worth making? A Different Perspective Profit pressures can dominate choices. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Business](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/business/) [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Consideration](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consideration/) [Duty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/duty/) [Success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/success/) [Superior man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/superior-man/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/) ## Related quotes > [We believe that the vote would have been close. 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