Business Quote by Mencius
““If a man does great deeds, then amongst his descendants in generations to come there will be one who will become a true King. All a gentleman can do in starting an enterprise is to leave behind a tradition which can be carried on. Heaven alone can grant success. What can you do about [your endeavours]? You can only try your best to do good.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Book of Mencius, c. 300 BC
Great deeds inspire future generations, but lasting success depends on tradition and effort, not destiny.
In simple terms: Good deeds affect descendants; effort matters more than fate.
Key Takeaway
Focus on creating lasting traditions.
Themes
legacy
effort
tradition
leadership
destiny
Mood
reflective
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- family business
- community projects
- educational initiatives
- civic leadership
Key Concepts
Confucianism
intergenerational influence
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you build traditions that endure?
- What role does luck play in your endeavors?
A Different Perspective
Success also requires external circumstances beyond personal control.
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)