The gentleman is easy to serve but difficult to please. He who tries to please him in the wrong way will not be pleased. He uses men according to their abilities. The petty man is difficult to serve and easy to please. He who tries to please him in the wrong way will be pleased. He demands perfection in everything.
— Confucius Ancient

Chinese philosopher, founder of Confucianism

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Details

Context

Analects, Book XIII, Chapter 25

Date / Period

c. 5th century BCE

Category

Humorous

Source

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/3330/3330-h/3330-h.htm#link2H_4_0007

Verification

Unverifiable

Explanation

Found in 1 providers: grok

Method

Cross Reference

Sources Checked

1 source

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