Legge Translation (1861)

The Master said: "In ancient times, men had three failings, which now perhaps are not to be found.

The high-mindedness of antiquity showed itself in a disregard of small matters; the high-mindedness of the present day shows itself in unbridled license. The dignity of antiquity showed itself in grave reserve; the dignity of the present day shows itself in quarrelsome perverseness. The stupidity of antiquity showed itself in straightforwardness; the stupidity of the present day shows itself in sheer deceit."