君子坦荡荡，小人长戚戚。
The gentleman is open and at ease; the petty person is anxious and worried.
Source: 论语·述而(The Analects)
Background
From "The Analects: Shu Er," this is Confucius' incisive summary of the character differences between gentlemen and petty people.
Interpretation
A gentleman has an open heart, is honest and upright, selfless and fearless; a petty person has a narrow mind, worries about gains and losses, and is often anxious. This reflects the differences in life attitudes based on different character cultivation.
Quote Information
Related Quotes
Other wise quotes from the same author
学而不思则罔，思而不学则殆。
Learning without thinking is useless; thinking without learning is dangerous.
Source: The Analects
博学之，审问之，慎思之，明辨之，笃行之。
Study extensively, inquire carefully, think deeply, distinguish clearly, and practice earnestly.
Source: Doctrine of the Mean
知者不惑，仁者不忧，勇者不惧。
The wise are not confused, the benevolent are not worried, the brave are not afraid.
Source: The Analects