When the year becomes cold, then we know how the pine and the cypress… — Confucius · Smartyfair

When the year becomes cold, then we know how the pine and the cypress are the last to lose their leaves.

Confucius551–479 BC · philosopher · Ancient ChinaConfucius was a teacher and philosopher who lived in ancient China more than 2,500 years ago.96 quotes

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How sure this is: 95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Analects IX.27, James Legge translation (1861); Exact wording and attribution checked. Seasonal imagery illustrates the qualities revealed by adversity.
Work: Analects IX.27, James Legge translation (1861)
Sources checked: gutenberg.orgChecked using manual, 21 October 2026Analects IX.27, James Legge translation (1861); Exact wording and attribution checked. Seasonal imagery illustrates the qualities revealed by adversity.

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Confucius Only after Winter comes do we know that the pine and the cypress are the last to fade.

Confucius Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.

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