Analects 4.24 · Li Ren
“The exemplary person wishes to be slow in speech but quick in action.”
Meaning, context, and how to apply it today
君子欲訥於言而敏於行 (jūn zǐ yù nè yú yán ér mǐn yú xíng) means “The exemplary person wishes to be slow in speech but quick in action.” It is a passage from the Analects of Confucius, Book 4 (Li Ren), Chapter 24.
君子欲訥於言而敏於行
- Pinyin
- jūn zǐ yù nè yú yán ér mǐn yú xíng
- Translation
- The exemplary person wishes to be slow in speech but quick in action.
- Source
- Analects, Book 4 (Li Ren), Chapter 24
What does this passage mean?
In Li Ren, restraint in speech is set against quickness in action. The exemplary person wishes to speak slowly but act promptly. It presents from another angle the same principle as diligence in affairs and caution in speech. Confucius repeatedly emphasized careful words and energetic deeds.
How can we apply it today?
People whose actions precede their words earn trust; people who speak endlessly without acting gradually lose it. Modern society likewise respects those who let results speak. Rather than announcing a grand plan, work quietly and display the outcome. Execution matters more than presentation, and fulfillment more than promise.
Questions to reflect on
- ·Do you show through deeds more than words?
- ·What proportion of your promises do you fulfill?
- ·What might change if you spoke less and acted more?
Character-by-character breakdown
| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Strokes | Radical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 君 | jūn | ruler | 7 | 口 (mouth) |
| 子 | zǐ | son | 3 | 子 (child) |
| 欲 | yù | hope for | 11 | 欠 (lack) |
| 訥 | nè | slow of speech | 11 | 言 (speech) |
| 於 | yú | at; in | 8 | 方 (square) |
| 言 | yán | speech | 7 | 言 (speech) |
| 而 | ér | and; but | 6 | 而 (and) |
| 敏 | mǐn | quick | 11 | 攴 (tap) |
| 於 | yú | at; in | 8 | 方 (square) |
| 行 | xíng | practice | 6 | 行 (walk) |
Frequently asked questions
Q. What does “The exemplary person wishes to be slow in…” mean?
君子欲訥於言而敏於行 (jūn zǐ yù nè yú yán ér mǐn yú xíng) means “The exemplary person wishes to be slow in speech but quick in action.” It comes from the Analects, Book 4 (Li Ren), Chapter 24.
Q. Where does this passage appear in the Analects?
It is Analects 4.24: Book 4 (Li Ren), Chapter 24.
Q. How can this teaching be applied today?
People whose actions precede their words earn trust; people who speak endlessly without acting gradually lose it.Modern society likewise respects those who let results speak.