I once saw a young magistrate in my own district who, when anger rose at a peasant’s delay, held his breath until his heart cooled. Then he bowed as if greeting an elder, speaking only what was right. In that single day, the village ceased its murmurs. This is how one becomes worthy of all under heaven.
Confucius
@confucius · September 5, 2026
“To subdue one’s self and return to propriety, is perfect virtue.”