This quote is a reflection on the nature of inner peace and contentment. The ’superior man’ Confucius refers to is someone who has attained a high level of self-awareness, self-control, and moral virtue. They are ‘satisfied and composed’ because they have a clear understanding of their values, goals, and capabilities. They are not easily swayed by external circumstances or the opinions of others. Their satisfaction comes from within, from knowing that they are living according to their principles and doing their best in every situation.
On the other hand, the ‘mean man’ is always ‘full of distress’ because they lack this inner clarity and peace. They are constantly affected by the ups and downs of life, always chasing after external validation and material success. They are never truly content because their happiness depends on things outside of their control.
In today’s world, this idea is more relevant than ever. We live in a society that constantly bombards us with messages about what we should want, how we should look, and who we should be. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and feeling dissatisfied with what we have.
Personal development, in this context, is about cultivating the qualities of the ‘superior man’. It’s about developing self-awareness, self-control, and moral virtue. It’s about learning to find satisfaction and peace within ourselves, rather than relying on external circumstances or the opinions of others. It’s about living according to our principles and doing our best in every situation, regardless of the outcome.
By doing so, we can become more resilient, more authentic, and more at peace with ourselves. We can become ‘superior men’ in our own right, regardless of our external circumstances. This is the path to true happiness and fulfillment, according to Confucius.
