Source identified
Read & copy the quotation
“The superior man wishes to be slow in his speech and earnest in his conduct.”
- Date
- James Legge translation
- English wording
- James Legge — Translator · from Classical Chinese
Meaning of “The superior man wishes to be slow in…”
Restraint in speech is paired with seriousness in action, placing demonstrated conduct above impressive but unproven words.
Where does it come from?
The Analects of Confucius, James Legge’s public-domain English translation; Book IV contrasts careful speech with earnest conduct.
