Correct It or Take It as Encouragement

有则改之,无则加勉. If there is a fault, correct it. If there is none, take it as a spur. The phrase comes from Zhu Xi’s commentary on the Analects, on the passage where Zengzi examines himself on three points each day. Today dictionaries describe it as the attitude to take toward criticism from others: correct the fault if there is one, and use the criticism for self-reflection if there is none.

understand-culture
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.