Analects of Confucius 16.5

translated from Classical Chinese by James Legge, 1893

Confucius said, ‘There are three things men find enjoyment in which are advantageous, and three things they find enjoyment in which are injurious. To find enjoyment in the discriminating study of ceremonies and music; to find enjoyment in

speaking of the goodness of others; to find enjoyment in having many worthy friends:— these are advantageous. To find enjoyment in extravagant pleasures; to find enjoyment in idleness and sauntering; to find enjoyment in the pleasures of feasting:— these are injurious.’