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Confused by Confucius 9 Thoughts Jiu Si

In 《论语·季氏篇》，, "君子有九思”, meaning a virtuous person must have 9 Reflections:

1. 视思明 (When seeing, think clearly)
See things objectively and accurately.
Do not jump to conclusions based on assumptions.

LQ Connection: Care
Love Intelligence begins with truly seeing people rather than judging them.

2. 听思聪 (When listening, listen wisely)
Listen deeply and understand what is being said — and what is not being said.

LQ Connection: Connection
Many people hear words. Few people hear emotions.
LQ teaches us to listen with both ears and heart.

3. 色思温 (Keep your expression warm)
Your facial expression should bring comfort rather than fear.

LQ Connection: Care
A smile, gentle eye contact, and warmth create emotional safety.
Trust starts here.

4. 貌思恭 (Maintain respectful conduct)
Treat others with dignity and respect.
Respect is not weakness.
It is strength under control.

LQ Connection: Courage + Connection

5. 言思忠 (Speak truthfully and sincerely)
Before speaking, ask:
"Is this true?"
"Is this sincere?"
"Is this helpful?"

LQ Connection: Courage
LQ is not about pleasing people.
It is about caring enough to tell the truth respectfully.

6. 事思敬 (Work with dedication and responsibility)
Do every task seriously and conscientiously.
Not because someone is watching.
But because it reflects your character.

LQ Connection: Care
Care is love in action.

7. 疑思问 (When in doubt, ask)
Do not pretend to know.
Stay curious.
Seek understanding.

LQ Connection: Courage
Many people fear asking questions because they fear appearing weak.
LQ gives us the courage to learn.

8. 忿思难 (When angry, think of the consequences)
Before reacting in anger, pause and consider:
"What damage might this create?"

LQ Connection: Care + Courage
LQ helps us respond rather than react.
This is emotional mastery.

9. 见得思义 (When you see profit, think of righteousness)
Before pursuing gain, ask:
"Is this the right thing to do?"
"What is the ethical choice?"

LQ Connection: The highest level of Love Intelligence
This is where character overrides greed.

The Nine Thoughts Through the Lens of LQ
Interestingly, Confucius described LQ more than 2,500 years ago without using the term.
Confucius' Nine Thoughts
LQ Dimension

视思明 is Care
听思聪 is Connection
色思温 is Care
貌思恭 is Connection
言思忠 is Courage
事思敬 is Care
疑思问 is Courage
忿思难 is Courage + Care
见得思义 us Care + Courage + Connection

The Ultimate Insight
Most people think intelligence is about IQ.
Today, many think success is about AI.

But Confucius reminds us that true wisdom is neither IQ nor AI.
It is how we:
  • See people clearly
  • Listen deeply
  • Treat others warmly
  • Speak sincerely
  • Act responsibly
  • Learn humbly
  • Control emotions
  • Choose righteousness over profit
In modern language, this is what we call Love Intelligence (LQ).

IQ helps us think.
AI helps us work faster.
LQ helps us become fully human.

And in an AI era where machines can imitate knowledge, the qualities described in the Nine Thoughts of Confucius may become even more valuable than ever before.
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