# XXXVI explained — Analects

> Chapter companion for Analects by Confucius.

## What happens

Confucius contrasts the superior man, who is satisfied and composed, with the mean man, who is always full of distress.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Superior Man

The chapter directly defines the superior man's characteristic of being satisfied and composed, contrasting it with the mean man's distress.

## Character check-ins

### Confucius

The Master delivers a concise aphorism on the disposition of the superior man versus the mean man.

## Key lines

> The superior man is satisfied and composed; the mean man is always full of distress.

The exemplary person remains serene and content, whereas the petty person is perpetually anxious and troubled.

_This aphorism highlights the inner peace that comes from virtue, in contrast to the turmoil of the unvirtuous._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/chapters/xxxvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/chapters