Df

The superior man understands the right thing to do; the inferior man understands profit.

Confucius was saying that a person should act off of conscience and not in a business-like matter. Acting in a matter that benefits another also benefit you. It shows that you care and that you have a heart of compassion. It come back to help you later on when you are in need.

If you only think about your profits and well-being, when it comes to you needing something someone might do the same thing to you. What goes around comes around.

An example of the moral choice over the profitable choice working out better is when people lose items. If you find items that aren't yours, give them back. The owner should feel grateful and they will probably give you a reward. On the other hand if they report it stolen and you are in the procession of it, then you are punished. There is no reason why money should be your number one choice.

Riches and other luxuries are just illusions. They aren't the real pictures of what really matters. What matters is a good heart and strong morals. Money and riches cloud judgments. Confucius said the superior man does the right thing, it is harder to that than accept into your temptation. The man who does that is taking the easy way out. That inferior man has not discipline.