“Though a man have abilities as admirable as those of the Duke of Chau, yet if he be proud and niggardly, those other things are really not worth being looked at.”

I once saw a young master in Lu who could recite all the ancient histories by heart and play the lute with perfect skill. Yet when his father fell ill, he refused to fetch water himself, claiming it was beneath his station, and later withheld grain from his own brother out of pride. I told him that while his talents were bright as stars, his heart was closed like a locked gate. Without kindness in action, even the greatest learning is dust.

Now, before you close your door tonight, look at what you have done for those who cannot repay you. Do not count the favor as a debt or think yourself superior because you gave it. If your hand moves only to show off, then stop. Be worthy of the talent you hold, for virtue is the only true weight that matters in the end.