Be not disturbed by being misunderstood; be disturbed by not understanding.
Be not disturbed by being misunderstood; be disturbed by not understanding.
Meaning in plain English
Not understanding given priority over being misunderstood redirects attention from reputation to one’s own knowledge. The saying values inquiry instead of only correcting others’ impressions.
Example
Someone checks what they may have missed and then clarifies an important misinterpretation respectfully.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A responsible reading does not make misunderstanding harmless or require accepting unfair accusations. A useful application can ask what one needs to learn while still clarifying a consequential mistake. Concern about how others understand an issue can also be legitimate, especially when decisions affect people.
When to use it
Use it to discuss learning alongside necessary clarification.
Keep in mind
No duty to ignore unfair treatment or universal superiority of one concern is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Country attributed by the collection
China · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 298; PDF page 32; collection label: China
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
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