論 語 Lun Yu – The Analects of Confucius

子曰‘質勝文則野、文勝質則史。文質彬彬、然後君子’

原文 138

The equal blending of solid excellence and ornamental accomplishments in a complete character.
The Master said, "Where the solid qualities are in excess of accomplishments, we have rusticity; where the accomplishments are in excess of the solid qualities, we have the manners of a clerk. When the accomplishments and solid qualities are equally blended, we then have the man of virtue."

Legge VI.16.

The Master said, 'When there is a preponderance of native sub- stance over acquired refinement, the result will be churlishness. When there is a preponderance of acquired refinement over native substance, the result will be pedantry. Only a well-balanced admixture of these two will result in gentle manliness.'

Lau [6:18]

Le Maître dit : « Celui chez qui les qualités naturelles l'emportent sur la politesse des manières et du langage est un homme agreste. Celui chez qui la politesse des manières et du langage l'emporte sur les vertus intérieures est comme un copiste de tribunal. Celui qui possède à un égal degré la vertu et la politesse est un homme honorable. »

Couvreur VI.16.