“To see and listen to the wicked is already the beginning of wickedness.”
- 551 BC – 479 BC
- Han ethnicity
- Philosopher, educator, politician
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Quote
“To see and listen to the wicked is already the beginning of wickedness.”
Explanation
In this saying, Confucius cautions against allowing oneself to be influenced by negative or immoral individuals. By observing and giving attention to those who act unethically, we risk becoming desensitized to their actions or, worse, influenced by their behaviors. For Confucius, character is shaped not only by our actions but also by the people we associate with and the things we expose ourselves to. Giving attention to the wicked, even passively, may subtly lead us down a similar path by normalizing or accepting those actions.
This teaching is especially relevant in a world where exposure to different influences is constant, and one’s values can be subtly eroded by prolonged exposure to harmful or unethical behavior. For instance, in a workplace, if one regularly sees dishonest actions being rewarded, they may start to feel that dishonesty is acceptable or even necessary to succeed. Similarly, in personal life, surrounding oneself with negative influences can affect one’s attitude and choices over time. Guarding our attention and associations helps us stay true to our values and principles.
Confucius’s wisdom reminds us to be mindful of what we let into our lives. By choosing to avoid influences that contradict our ethical standards, we protect our character and integrity. This approach encourages us to seek out positive examples and influences, fostering a life built on virtue, respect, and a commitment to moral principles.
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