Justice Quote by Thomas Cleary
““Wisdom should control courtesy. Courtesy should control righteousness. Righteousness should control benevolence. Benevolence should control trustworthiness. Trustworthiness should control wisdom. When these five natures produce and control each other thus in a continuous circle, then no element of personality dominates; they all interact, balancing each other, resulting in completeness of the five natures.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Analects of Confucius, translation by Thomas Cleary
The five virtues should regulate each other in a balanced cycle, preventing any single trait from dominating and creating a harmonious character.
In simple terms: Balanced virtues create harmony.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate interdependent virtues.
Themes
balance
virtue
character
harmony
self‑growth
Mood
reflective
calm
instructive
Type
philosophical
ethical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- leadership
- personal development
- conflict resolution
- team dynamics
Key Concepts
Confucian ethics
interdependence
moral development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure each virtue supports the others?
- What happens when one trait dominates?
A Different Perspective
Over‑emphasis on one virtue can cause rigidity.
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
