What does this Chinese proverb quote mean "Better than a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without"?

[Anonymous]

I do have some ideas in mind about the meaning of this quote but i want to get some opinions about it thanks.

[Xelebrum]

It means that even if a diamond has a flaw, it's still a diamond and it's worth a hell of a lot more than a perfect pebble.

[misscoffeehead]

I second this..

[Asker]

Not to be taken literally though is my question

[Xelebrum]

Replace the diamond with yourself and the pebble with what society expects you to be, and it will make more sense.

[Sexualchrist]

I don't know, it doesn't make sense. Are you sure you worded it correctly?

[Asker]

yes it came from a chinese philosopher named Confucius

[Sexualchrist]

Better than a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without just sounds wrong.

I think you've included an extra "than". To me it would make sense if it said "better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without"

[Asker]

this is exactly what it says when you google it, i think that is the correct wording

[Asker]

sorry i think you are correct remove the than word my apologies

[Sexualchrist]

Yeah, Its very philosophical though. These Chinese sayings can have literal meanings as well though. I think this is one of those.

[justbanANNAz]

better to be hella valuable with imperfections than totally worthless and untouched.

[Cowboy6666]

It's better to have a valuable thing that is not perfect, than a useless thing that is perfect.