--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The gods should certainly be revered, but…" description: "\"The gods should certainly be revered, but kept at a distance... . The way is not beyond man; he who creates a way outside of man cannot make it a true ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/904/confucius-164_confucianism_the-gods-should-certainly-be-revered-but_1447085.jpg" --- # The gods should certainly be revered, but kept at a… ![“The gods should certainly be revered, but kept at a distance... . The way is not beyond man; he who creates a way outside of man cannot make it a true way. A good man is content with changing man, and that is enough for him.” quote by Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/904/confucius-164_confucianism_the-gods-should-certainly-be-revered-but_1447085.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/904/confucius-164_confucianism_the-gods-should-certainly-be-revered-but_1447085.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/904/confucius-164_confucianism_the-gods-should-certainly-be-revered-but_1447085.jpg) > “The gods should certainly be revered, but kept at a distance... . The way is not beyond man; he who creates a way outside of man cannot make it a true way. A good man is content with changing man, and that is enough for him.” [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. He warns that reverence without proximity reduces influence; true guidance comes from shaping humanity, not distant worship. **In simple terms:** Reverence must be practical, not just distant respect. Key Takeaway Focus on influencing people directly. Themes leadership humility humanity Mood reflective serious Type philosophical advice When to use this quote - teaching - mentoring - policy making - community service Key Concepts ethical influence practical wisdom Questions to Reflect On - How can leaders stay humble while guiding others? - When is distance necessary for respect? A Different Perspective Distancing can protect against corruption but may limit impact. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Confucianism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confucianism/) [Gods](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gods/) [Good man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-man/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) ## Related quotes > [I feel like the gods have certainly patted me on the head.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dane-cook/i-feel-like-the-gods-have-certainly-patted-me-on-the-head/) [Dane Cook](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dane-cook/) > [You don't go after poetry, you take what comes. Maybe the gods do it through me but I certainly do a hell of a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phyllis-gotlieb/you-don-t-go-after-poetry-you-take-what-comes-maybe-the-gods-do-it/) Phyllis Gotlieb > [“It's enough to make you believe. Maybe not in symbols; maybe not in gods. But certainly in people.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emery-lord/it-s-enough-to-make-you-believe-maybe-not-in-symbols-maybe-not-in/) [Emery Lord](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emery-lord/) > [To study and not think is a waste. To think and not study is dangerous.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/to-study-and-not-think-is-a-waste-to-think-and-not-study-is-dangerous/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [There is nothing more visible than what is secret, and nothing more manifest than what is minute.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/there-is-nothing-more-visible-than-what-is-secret-and-nothing-more/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/what-the-superior-man-seeks-is-in-himself-what-the-small-man-seeks-is/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [Great as heaven and earth are, men still find some things in them with which to be dissatisfied. Thus it is that, were the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/great-as-heaven-and-earth-are-men-still-find-some-things-in-them-with/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [The superior man has nothing to compete for. But if he must compete, he does it in an archery match, wherein he ascends to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/the-superior-man-has-nothing-to-compete-for-but-if-he-must-compete-he/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [When the Superior Man eats he does not try to stuff himself; at rest he does not seek perfect comfort; he is diligent in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/when-the-superior-man-eats-he-does-not-try-to-stuff-himself-at-rest/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [If a man has no humaneness what can his propriety be like? If a man has no humaneness what can his happiness be like?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/if-a-man-has-no-humaneness-what-can-his-propriety-be-like-if-a-man/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [They who know the truth are not equal to those who love it, and they who love it are not equal to those who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/they-who-know-the-truth-are-not-equal-to-those-who-love-it-and-they/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [Is virtue a thing remote? I wish to be virtuous, and lo! Virtue is at hand.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/is-virtue-a-thing-remote-i-wish-to-be-virtuous-and-lo-virtue-is-at/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [Therefore the superior man is watchful over himself, when he is alone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/therefore-the-superior-man-is-watchful-over-himself-when-he-is-alone/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [Without an acquaintance with the rules of propriety, it is impossible for the character to be established](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/without-an-acquaintance-with-the-rules-of-propriety-it-is-impossible/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [When you meet someone better than yourself, turn your thoughts to becoming his equal. When you meet someone not as good as you are,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/when-you-meet-someone-better-than-yourself-turn-your-thoughts-to/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) ## More by Confucius > [Attack the evil that is within yourself, rather than attacking the evil that is in others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/attack-the-evil-that-is-within-yourself-rather-than-attacking-the/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [The superior man is distressed by his want (lack) of ability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/the-superior-man-is-distressed-by-his-want-lack-of-ability/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [In ancient times, those who wished to illuminate the world with virtue first brought order to their nations. Wishing to order well their nations,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/in-ancient-times-those-who-wished-to-illuminate-the-world-with-virtue/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [Better than the one who knows what is right is the one who loves what is right.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/better-than-the-one-who-knows-what-is-right-is-the-one-who-loves-what/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [Knowledge is merely brilliance in organization of ideas and not wisdom. The truly wise person goes beyond knowledge.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/knowledge-is-merely-brilliance-in-organization-of-ideas-and-not/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [I live in a very small house, but my windows look out on a very large world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/i-live-in-a-very-small-house-but-my-windows-look-out-on-a-very-large/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [To rule a country of a thousand chariots, there must be reverent attention to business, and sincerity; economy in expenditure, and love for men;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/to-rule-a-country-of-a-thousand-chariots-there-must-be-reverent/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [The real fault is to have faults and not amend them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/the-real-fault-is-to-have-faults-and-not-amend-them/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/to-know-what-you-know-and-what-you-do-not-know-that-is-true-knowledge/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [A picture is poem without words.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/a-picture-is-poem-without-words/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [Heaven means to be one with God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/heaven-means-to-be-one-with-god/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [Does Heaven ever speak? The four seasons come and go, and all creatures thrive and grow. Does Heaven ever speak!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/does-heaven-ever-speak-the-four-seasons-come-and-go-and-all-creatures/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [To study and at times practice what one has learned, is this not a pleasure?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/to-study-and-at-times-practice-what-one-has-learned-is-this-not-a/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/recompense-injury-with-justice-and-recompense-kindness-with-kindness/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [There is only one thing in life which never changes, and it is change.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/there-is-only-one-thing-in-life-which-never-changes-and-it-is-change/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) [Explore all 1,019 Confucius quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) ## More Confucianism quotes > [Life and human society are the chief concern of Confucianism and, through it, the chief concern of the Chinese people.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hu-shih/life-and-human-society-are-the-chief-concern-of-confucianism-and/) [Hu Shih](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hu-shih/) > [Confucianism strongly condemned the use of drugs like opium.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-trout/confucianism-strongly-condemned-the-use-of-drugs-like-opium/) [Robert Trout](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-trout/) > [“Psy will go down in history as the first real twenty-first-century entertainer: who else could combine Confucianism and farting?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/euny-hong/psy-will-go-down-in-history-as-the-first-real-twenty-first-century/) [Euny Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/euny-hong/) > [When you meet someone better than yourself, turn your thoughts to becoming his equal. When you meet someone not as good as you are,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/when-you-meet-someone-better-than-yourself-turn-your-thoughts-to/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [Without an acquaintance with the rules of propriety, it is impossible for the character to be established](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/without-an-acquaintance-with-the-rules-of-propriety-it-is-impossible/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [Therefore the superior man is watchful over himself, when he is alone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/therefore-the-superior-man-is-watchful-over-himself-when-he-is-alone/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [Is virtue a thing remote? I wish to be virtuous, and lo! Virtue is at hand.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/is-virtue-a-thing-remote-i-wish-to-be-virtuous-and-lo-virtue-is-at/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [“The House of the Venerable and Inscrutable Colonel was what they called it when they were speaking Chinese. Venerable because of his goatee, white…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-stephenson/the-house-of-the-venerable-and-inscrutable-colonel-was-what-they/) [Neal Stephenson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-stephenson/) > [“Premodern traditions of knowledge such as Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and Confucianism asserted that everything that is important to know about the world was already…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/yuval-noah-harari/premodern-traditions-of-knowledge-such-as-islam-christianity-buddhism/) [Yuval Noah Harari](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/yuval-noah-harari/) > [The Way of the warrior does not include other ways, such as Confucianism, Buddhism, certain traditions, artistic accomplishments, and dancing. But even though these…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/miyamoto-musashi/the-way-of-the-warrior-does-not-include-other-ways-such-as/) [Miyamoto Musashi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/miyamoto-musashi/) > [Chinese culture in general is not very religious. Confucianism is more a code of ethics than a religion, and ancestor worship is a way…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-henry-hwang/chinese-culture-in-general-is-not-very-religious-confucianism-is-more/) [David Henry Hwang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-henry-hwang/) > [Happiness exist when you don't know a thing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/the-weeknd/happiness-exist-when-you-don-t-know-a-thing/) [The Weeknd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/the-weeknd/) > [I was raised a Christian but have looked at other religions, some of the Eastern things. I was into Taoism for a while and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-springfield/i-was-raised-a-christian-but-have-looked-at-other-religions-some-of/) [Rick Springfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-springfield/) > [“The Chosun Dynasty adopted Confucianism in all walks of civil and personal life at the beginning of the fifteenth century. The nation’s kings were…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/euny-hong/the-chosun-dynasty-adopted-confucianism-in-all-walks-of-civil-and/) [Euny Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/euny-hong/) > [They who know the truth are not equal to those who love it, and they who love it are not equal to those who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/they-who-know-the-truth-are-not-equal-to-those-who-love-it-and-they/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) [Browse all 65 Confucianism quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confucianism/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The gods should certainly be revered, but kept at a distance... . The way is not beyond man; he who creates a way outside of man cannot make it a true way. 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