The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions?

Question

What does the quote mean and how does it relate to government and society. Help pls..assignment is due tml..=[

Answer 1

It means you should let your actions speak themselves; if you make good decisions, act wisely and treat others well you will never have to talk yourself up because your reputation will do it for you.

Answer 2

it sounds quite Confucian in nature. His interpretation of such a setting was that the best that a person could be did not require them to say very much or really to be very quick to speak. Confucius felt that whatever we said in life...we were required to back up in word. Therefore the superior man was much more unlikely not to speak, understanding that they may not be able to live up to some of the grander things that we sometimes boast.

As a result, the superior man (and in Confucian understanding it was probably only a man, though today we certainly apply it to both men and women) spoke quite softely or infrequently, but much more importantly, backed up the things they did say with action. They would be dependable, loyal and honorable. If a superior man believed they could do something it was not merely to be taken as a boast, rather as an understanding that they in fact had every intention to set out toward that path immediatly.

Many have expanded on this teaching later on...with an example being provided by the first respondent. However i would again stress the importance on dependability of action, which leads to social order. If someone knows they will do what they say they will, they will mantain a social cohesion in society. They also will remain loyal to those who are above them both politically and socially. This line of thinking was used by Confucius in 6th century B.C.E. to try to bring China back to a ordered society, where everyone paid their proper respect to those above them in both political and social relations.

Answer 3

Walk softly and carry a big stick ! That's the first thing it reminded me of. Teddy Roosevelt

I like it. Good advice !