“For this reason the gentleman will employ a man on a distant mission and observe his degree of loyalty, will employ him close at hand and observe his degree of respect. He will hand him troublesome affairs and observe how well he manages them, will suddenly ask his advice and observe how wisely he answers. He will exact some difficult promise from him and see how well he keeps it, turn over funds to him and see with what benevolence he dispenses them, inform him of the danger he is in and note how faithful he is to his duties. He will get him drunk with wine and observe how well he handles himself, place him in mixed company and see what effect beauty has upon him. By applying these nine tests, you may determine who is the unworthy man.”

Share & Save

Meaning

Not documented yet.

When It Was Said

Not documented yet.

Who It Was Said To

Not documented yet.

Historical Context

Not documented yet.

Source

Not documented yet.

Original Language & Translation

Originally said in English.

Did They Really Say It?

Not documented yet.

Did You Know?

Not documented yet.

About Confucius

Confucius is a Chinese philosopher of the Spring and Autumn Period. He is best known for founding Confucianism, a philosophical and ethical system that emphasizes personal and governmental morality, correctness in social relationships, and justice. His teachings, recorded in the *Analects*, remain foundational in Chinese culture and East Asian thought.

More from Confucius (169 quotes) →
"For this reason the gentleman will employ a man on a distant mission…" — Confucius | Daily Quotes