| |
Petty-minded individuals have no friends, while
gentlemen do. This is the natural principle.
Why is it so?
Petty-minded individuals pursue personal gains and are greedy for
wealth. When their interests align temporarily, they may form alliances
and call it friendship, but as soon as they see personal gain and
compete with each other or when the benefits are exhausted and their
interactions become distant, they will harm and betray each other. Even
brothers and close relatives cannot guarantee their protection.
Therefore, petty-minded individuals have no true friends; their
temporary friendships are merely deceptive.
On the other hand, gentlemen are different. They uphold principles and
righteousness, practice loyalty and trustworthiness, and value integrity
and reputation. By cultivating these virtues, they find like-minded
individuals who assist them on the path. In serving the country, they
work together with a shared purpose. They remain steadfast throughout,
making them true friends of gentlemen.
The author, Ouyang Xiu, employs parallelism and antithesis to enhance
the grandeur of the text. |
| |
|
|
| 1. |
|
What is the "natural principle" according to the author? |
| 2. |
|
Why does the author believe that the petty-minded have no friends? |
| 3. |
|
What are the characteristics of a gentleman? |
| 4. |
|
What rhetorical devices does the author Ouyang Xiu use
to enhance the momentum of the article? |
| |
|
|
|
Sponsored Links
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Answers |
| |
|
|
| 1. |
|
Gentlemen become friends with other gentlemen based on
shared aspirations, while petty-minded individuals become friends based
on shared interests. This is the natural principle. |
| 2. |
|
The author believes that the friendships of
petty-minded individuals are false and not genuine. Because petty-minded
individuals are driven by personal gain and wealth, they may temporarily
form alliances and friendships based on shared interests. However, when
they see personal gain, they will compete with each other or become
distant when the benefits are exhausted. They may even harm each other,
and even brothers and close relatives cannot guarantee their safety.
Therefore, the author believes that petty-minded individuals have no
true friends, and even if they have friendships, they are only false. |
| 3. |
|
A gentleman adheres to principles and righteousness,
practices loyalty and trustworthiness, and values integrity and
reputation. By cultivating these qualities, a gentleman can benefit from
like-minded individuals in personal matters and work together with a
united heart for the good of the country. Consistency is the hallmark of
a gentleman's friendships. |
| 4. |
|
The author uses parallelism and antithesis to enhance
the momentum of the article. |
| |
|
|
|
|
