To know a person, observe them in different situations. This ancient wisdom remains relevant today.
Question them deeply to test their reasoning. Ask what you already know to see their honesty. Observe their attitude toward wealth and temptation. Present difficulties to reveal courage. Watch their behavior after drinking—truth often emerges.
Send them far to test loyalty; keep them close to check respect. Give complex tasks to assess capability. Ask sudden questions to gauge wisdom. Set deadlines to measure integrity. See how they treat different groups—consistency reveals character.
When rich, note their spending; when poor, their principles. Listen to words, but watch actions. Observe what brings them joy and how they handle anger, sorrow, and hardship.
The young should be respectful and eager to learn. The middle-aged should be honest and diligent. The elderly should be cautious and virtuous.
In families, look for love and respect. Among friends, seek trust and harmony. In leadership, value loyalty and generosity.
Silence yourself first; let others speak. To elevate, sometimes lower. No single method suffices—combine them all. Use these mirrors to see others clearly, and more importantly, to know yourself.