The Rectification Of Terms
Confucius, ANALECTS, 13.x
... the rectification of terms ....
... If terms be incorrect, language will be incongruous; and if language be incongruous, deeds will be imperfect so, again, when deeds are imperfect, propriety and harmony cannot prevail, and when this is the case laws relating to crime will fail in their aim; and if these last so fail, the people will not know where to set hand or foot. Hence, a man of superior mind, certain first of his terms, is fitted to speak; and being certain of what he says can proceed upon it. In the language of such a person there is nothing heedlessly irregular -- and that is the sum of the matter.
or MIT version...
... If names be not correct, language is not in accordance with the truth of things. If language be not in accordance with the truth of things, affairs cannot be carried to success....
... the rectification of terms ....
... If terms be incorrect, language will be incongruous; and if language be incongruous, deeds will be imperfect so, again, when deeds are imperfect, propriety and harmony cannot prevail, and when this is the case laws relating to crime will fail in their aim; and if these last so fail, the people will not know where to set hand or foot. Hence, a man of superior mind, certain first of his terms, is fitted to speak; and being certain of what he says can proceed upon it. In the language of such a person there is nothing heedlessly irregular -- and that is the sum of the matter.
or MIT version...
... If names be not correct, language is not in accordance with the truth of things. If language be not in accordance with the truth of things, affairs cannot be carried to success....
posted by Godel at 2:55 PM
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