14.4 The wise stays in the present, is aware and alert

子曰、不逆詐、不億不信、抑亦先覺者、是賢乎。

The Master said, ‘He who does not anticipate attempts to deceive him, nor think beforehand of his not being believed, and yet apprehends these things readily (when they occur);– is wise.’

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Some people think that to be honest and to cultivate spirituality brings stupidity, detachment, and failure in the world.  Confucius said otherwise.  When one is wise, one perceives people (including oneself) accurately and see when deceives and dishonesty arises.  This is by means of spiritual awareness, not from intellectual deduction and speculation.  Therefore, proper spiritual cultivation brings wisdom and awareness (of one self, others, and the world).  Are you ready for it?