Learning is the first step.
Confucius said, “Is it not pleasant to learn with a constant perseverance and application? Is it not delightful to have friends coming from afar? Is
it not the mark of a gentleman to remain unperturbed when others do not understand him?”
『1.2』Youzi said: “A person who is filial and respectful to his elders, yet likes to defy his superiors, is rare; one who does not like to defy his superiors, yet likes to cause chaos,
has never existed. The superior man focuses on the fundamentals; when the fundamentals are established, the Way arises. Filial piety and respect for elders, are they not the foundation of benevolence?”
Confucius said, “Those who are clever with words and have an ingratiating appearance are rarely benevolent!”
『1.4』 Zengzi said: “I examine myself three times a day: Have I been disloyal in serving others? Have I been untrustworthy in dealing with friends? Have I failed to
practice what I have been taught?”
『1.5』The Master said: “To govern a state of a thousand chariots, one must be respectful in one’s duties and trustworthy, frugal in expenditures and loving towards the people, and employ the people at the right time.”
『16』The Master said: “A young man should be filial at home and respectful to elders outside. He should be careful and trustworthy. He should love all people and be close to those who are virtuous. If he has any energy left after fulfilling these duties,
he should study literature.”
『17』 Zixia said: “To value virtue over beauty; to serve one’s parents with all one’s might; to serve one’s ruler with utmost loyalty; and
to be trustworthy in one’s dealings with friends—even if one has not formally studied, I would still consider him learned.”
『18』The Master said: “If a gentleman is not dignified, he will not command respect; if he studies, he will not be firm in his understanding. He should uphold loyalty and trustworthiness. He should not befriend those who are not as good as himself. If he makes a mistake,
he should not hesitate to correct it.”
『19』 Zengzi said: “Be careful at the end of life and remember your ancestors, and the people’s virtue will return to its original thickness.”
『1.10』 Ziqin asked Zigong, “When the Master arrives in a state, he always learns about its government. Does he seek this information, or is it given to him?”
Zigong replied, “The Master obtains it through his gentleness, kindness, respectfulness, frugality, and humility. Is the way the Master seeks it different from how others seek it
?”
Confucius said, “When the father is alive, observe his intentions; when the father is dead, observe his conduct. If for three years he does not deviate from the way of his father, he may be called filial
.”
『1.12』Youzi said: “In the application of rites, harmony is of utmost importance. This is the beauty of the way of the former kings; it is followed in all matters
, great and small. However, there are things that cannot be done. Knowing harmony and pursuing harmony without regulating it with rites is also unacceptable.”
『1.13』Youzi said: “If trustworthiness is close to righteousness, then words can be fulfilled. If respect is close to propriety, then one will avoid shame and disgrace. If one does not lose one’s relatives,
then one can be respected.”
Confucius said, “A gentleman does not seek to be full when he eats, nor does he seek comfort when he dwells. He is diligent in his work and cautious in his speech. He seeks guidance from those who possess the Way and corrects himself accordingly. Such a person
may be called a lover of learning.”
『1.15』 Zigong said, “What do you think of being poor without being obsequious and rich without being arrogant?” Confucius said, “That’s acceptable; but it’s not as good as being poor and happy
, and rich and courteous.”
Zigong said, “The Book of Poetry says, ‘As if cutting and polishing, as if carving and grinding,’ is that what it means?” Confucius said, “Ci,
now I can talk to you about poetry. You understand the past and can predict the future.”
Confucius said, “I am not worried about others not doing what I do; I am worried about not knowing others.”
*lunyu.002
is the second chapter of governance.
『21』The Master said: “Governing with virtue is like the North Star, which remains in its place while all the other stars revolve around it.”
『22』The Master said: “The Book of Poetry contains three hundred poems, which can be summed up in one phrase: ‘Think no evil.’”
『23』The Master said: “If you govern the people by laws and regulate them by punishments, they will avoid punishment but have no sense of shame. If you govern them by virtue and regulate them by rites, they will have a sense of shame
and moreover become good.”
『24』The Master said: “At fifteen, I set my heart on learning; at thirty, I stood firm; at forty, I had no more doubts; at fifty, I knew the mandate of Heaven; at
sixty, my ear was attuned to the truth; at seventy, I could follow my heart’s desire without transgressing the rules.”
『2.5』 Meng Yizi asked about filial piety. Confucius said, “Do not disobey.”
Fan Chi was driving the chariot, and Confucius told him, “Mengsun asked me about filial piety, and I replied, ‘Do not disobey.’” Fan Chi asked, “What does that mean
?” Confucius said, “When they are alive, serve them according to propriety; when they die, bury them according to propriety, and offer sacrifices to them according to propriety.”
『26』 Meng Wubo asked about filial piety. Confucius said: “Parents are only worried about their children’s illnesses.”
『27』 Ziyou asked about filial piety. Confucius said: “Nowadays, people think that being filial means simply providing for one’s parents. But even dogs and horses are provided for; without respect,
how is it different?”
『28』 Zixia asked about filial piety. Confucius said, “It is difficult to maintain a pleasant countenance. When there is work to be done, the disciples take on the labor; when there is food and drink, the elders are served. Is this considered
filial piety?”
『29』The Master said: “I talked with Hui all day long, and he never disagreed with me, as if he were a fool. But when I examined his private life, I found that he was quite capable of understanding. Hui is not a fool
.”
『2.10』The Master said: “Observe what a person does, examine the reasons behind it, and scrutinize what he finds comfort in. How can a person be so carefree? How can a person be so carefree?”
Confucius said, “If you review what you have learned and gain new insights from it, you can become a teacher.” (2.11)
『2.12』The Master said: “A gentleman is not a vessel.”
『2.13』 Zigong asked about the gentleman. Confucius said: “He acts before he speaks, and then he speaks accordingly.”
『2.14』The Master said: “A gentleman is inclusive but not partisan; a petty man is partisan but not inclusive.”
『2.15』The Master said: “Learning without thinking is futile; thinking without learning is dangerous.”
『2.16』The Master said: “To attack heterodox doctrines is harmful.”
『2.17』The Master said: “You! Do you understand what knowledge is? To know what you know, and to know what you don’t know, that is true knowledge.”
『2.18』 Zizhang studied how to obtain official rank. Confucius said, “Listen widely and reserve judgment on what you doubt; speak cautiously about the rest, and you will have few faults. Observe widely and reserve judgment on what you find dangerous; act cautiously
about the rest, and you will have few regrets. If you have few faults in your words and few regrets in your actions, then official rank will naturally follow.”
『2.19』Duke Ai heard this and asked, “What should be done to make the people submit?” Confucius replied, “Promote the upright and set aside the crooked, and the people will submit; promote the crooked and set aside
the upright, and the people will not submit.”
『2.20』 Ji Kangzi asked: “How can we make the people respectful, loyal and diligent?” Confucius said: “Treat them with dignity, and they will be respectful;
be filial and kind, and they will be loyal; promote the good and teach the incapable, and they will be diligent.”
『2.21』Someone asked Confucius, “Why don’t you participate in government?” Confucius replied, “The Book of Documents says, ‘Filial piety, indeed! Be fraternal with your brothers
, and apply this to government.’ This too is participating in government. Why should I participate in government?”
『2.22』The Master said: “If a man has no trustworthiness, I do not know what good he can be. If a large cart has no cart, and a small cart has no handle
, how can they move?”
『2.23』 Zizhang asked, “Can the next ten generations be known?” Confucius said, “The Yin dynasty followed the rites of the Xia dynasty, and what it added or subtracted can be known; the Zhou dynasty
followed the rites of the Yin dynasty, and what it added or subtracted can be known. If there is one that succeeds the Zhou dynasty, even if it is a hundred generations later, it can be known.”
『2.24』The Master said: “To offer sacrifices to spirits that are not one’s own is flattery. To see what is right and not do it is cowardice.”
*lunyu.003
Eight Rows of Dancers, Third Chapter
『3.1』Confucius said to the Ji family, “If the eight rows of dancers performing in the courtyard can be tolerated, what cannot be tolerated?”
『3.2』The three families used Yongche. Confucius said, “‘The ministers assist the princes, and the emperor is solemn and dignified,’ what is the meaning of this in the hall of the three families?”
Confucius said, “If a man is not benevolent, what use is ritual to him? If a man is not benevolent, what use is music to him?”
『3.4』Lin Fang asked about the essence of rites. Confucius said: “What a great question! In terms of rites, it is better to be frugal than extravagant; in terms of mourning, it is better to be sorrowful than
extravagant.”
Confucius said, “It is better for the barbarians to have a ruler than for the Chinese to have no ruler.”
『3.6』The Ji family was traveling at Mount Tai. Confucius said to Ran You, “Can’t you save them?” Ran You replied, “No.” Confucius said,
“Alas! Did you ever say that Mount Tai was not as good as Lin Fang?”
『37』The Master said: “A gentleman does not contend. If he must contend, it is in archery! He bows and yields as he ascends the platform, and drinks as he descends. Even in contention, he is a gentleman.”
『38』 Zixia asked, “Your artful smile is charming, your beautiful eyes are bright, and your plain clothes are adorned with elegance. What is the meaning of this?” Confucius said, “Painting comes
after the plain background.”
Zixia asked, “Does that mean ritual comes after?” Confucius said, “It is you, Zixia, who have enlightened me! Now I can discuss poetry with you.”
『39』The Master said: “I can speak of the rites of the Xia Dynasty, but Qi is not sufficient to prove them; I can speak of the rites of the Yin Dynasty, but Song is not sufficient to prove them.
This is because the written records are insufficient. If they were sufficient, I could prove them.”
Confucius said, “I do not wish to see the Emperor of Clothing after he had finished his rituals.”
『3.11』Someone asked about (the Emperor Yi’s) explanation. Confucius said, “I do not know. If one knew his explanation, how would one explain it to the world? It would be like showing it to this
!” He pointed to his palm.
『3.12』When offering sacrifices, it is as if the spirits are present. Confucius said, “If I do not participate in the sacrifice, it is as if no sacrifice is offered.”
『3.13』Wangsun Jia asked, “Why is it better to flatter the tortoise shell than the inner sanctum?” Confucius replied, “No; offending
Heaven is my own fault.”
Confucius said, “The Zhou dynasty drew lessons from the two preceding dynasties, and its culture was magnificent! I follow the Zhou.”
『3.15』When Confucius entered the ancestral temple, he asked about everything. Someone said, “Who said that the son of Zou knows propriety? He enters the ancestral temple and asks about everything.
” When Confucius heard this, he said, “This is propriety.”
『3.16』The Master said: “Archery does not aim at the target, because the strength required is different for different subjects. This is the way of the ancients.”
『3.17』 Zigong wanted to go and tell Confucius about the sacrificial sheep. Confucius said, “Ci! You love the sheep, but I love the ritual.”
Confucius said, “To serve one’s lord with utmost propriety is considered flattery by others.” (3.18)
『3.19』Duke Ding asked: “How should a ruler treat his ministers, and how should ministers serve their ruler?” Confucius replied: “A ruler should treat his ministers with propriety, and ministers should serve
their ruler with loyalty.”
Confucius said, “The ospreys are joyful but not licentious, and sorrowful but not harmful.”
『3.21』Duke Ai asked Zai Wo about the altars of the gods of the land. Zai Wo replied, “The Xia dynasty used pine, the Yin dynasty used cypress, and the Zhou dynasty used
chestnut, saying that it would make the people tremble.” When Confucius heard this, he said, “One should not speak of what has been accomplished, nor should one advise on what has been done, nor should one blame what has already passed.”
『3.22』The Master said, “Guan Zhong’s capacity was small.”
Someone asked, “Was Guan Zhong frugal?” The Master replied, “Guan Zhong had three residences, and he did not manage official duties. How could he be frugal?”
“Then did Guan Zhong know propriety?” The Master said, “When the ruler of a state erected a screen at his gate, Guan Zhong also erected a screen at his gate. When the ruler of a state
established an alliance between two rulers, he had a returning altar. Guan Zhong also had a returning altar. If Guan Zhong knew propriety, who does not know propriety?”
『3.23』The Master spoke to the music master of Lu, saying: “Music can be understood: when it is first made, it is harmonious; when it is followed, it is pure; when it is
intertwined, it is continuous; and when it is completed.”
『3.24』The gatekeeper of Yi requested an audience, saying, “When a gentleman comes to this place, I have never failed to see him.” His followers saw him.
After leaving, he said, “Why should you gentlemen worry about losing your position? The world has been without the Way for a long time, and Heaven will use you as a bell to call for change.”
『3.25』The Master said of the Shao music, “It is perfectly beautiful and perfectly good.” He said of the Wu music, “It is perfectly beautiful, but not perfectly good.”
Confucius said, “If a person in a high position is not lenient, if he is not respectful in observing rites, and if he is not sorrowful at the funeral, how can I regard him?”
*lunyu.004
Liren Fourth
『4.1』The Master said, “It is good to live in a neighborhood where people are benevolent. If one does not choose to live in a benevolent neighborhood, how can one be wise?”
Confucius said, “The unbenevolent cannot long endure hardship, nor can they long enjoy pleasure. The benevolent find peace in benevolence, and the wise find benefit in benevolence.”
Confucius said, “Only the benevolent can love people and hate people.”
Confucius said, “If one is truly committed to benevolence, there will be no evil.” (4.4)
Confucius said, “Wealth and honor are what people desire; but if they are not obtained in the proper way, one should not accept them. Poverty and lowliness are
what people dislike; but if they are not obtained in the proper way, one should not avoid them. If a gentleman abandons benevolence, how can he gain fame? A gentleman never deviates from benevolence even for the space of a meal; in times of haste
, he is sure to uphold it; in times of distress, he is sure to uphold it.”
46 The Master said: “I have never seen a person who truly loves benevolence and hates malevolence. A person who loves benevolence has nothing to surpass it; a person who hates malevolence, in fact, is
benevolent, and will not allow malevolent people to harm him. Is there anyone who can devote his strength to benevolence for even a single day? I have never seen anyone who lacks the strength to do so.
I have never seen anyone who does so.”
Confucius said, “People’s faults are all due to their own group. By observing their faults, one can know their benevolence.”
Confucius said, “If I hear the Way in the morning, I can die content in the evening.”
Confucius said, “A scholar who is devoted to the Way but ashamed of coarse clothes and coarse food is not worth discussing with.”
Confucius said, “The superior man, in his dealings with the world, is neither for nor against anything; he follows what is right.”
Confucius said, “The superior man cherishes virtue, while the inferior man cherishes land; the superior man cherishes the law, while the inferior man cherishes personal gain.”
Confucius said, “If one acts solely for profit, one will incur much resentment.” (4.12)
『4.13』The Master said: “Can one govern a state with propriety and humility? What difficulty is there? If one cannot govern a state with propriety and humility, what use is propriety?”
Confucius said, “I am not worried about not having a position; I am worried about how to establish myself. I am not worried about not being known; I am worried about being worthy of being known.”
『4.15』The Master said, “Shen! My way is one that runs through all things.” Zengzi said, “Yes.”
After the Master left, his disciples asked, “What did he mean?” Zengzi said, “The Master’s way is nothing more than loyalty and forbearance.”
Confucius said, “The superior man understands righteousness; the inferior man understands profit.” (4.16)
Confucius said, “When you see someone virtuous, think of emulating them; when you see someone not virtuous, examine yourself.” (4.17)
Confucius said, “When serving your parents, be gentle in your remonstrances. If they do not listen, remain respectful and do not disobey them. Do not complain even if you are tired.”
Confucius said, “While your parents are alive, do not travel far. If you must travel, you must have a fixed destination.” (4.19)
Confucius said, “If a man does not change his father’s ways for three years, he may be called filial.” (4.20)
Confucius said, “The ages of one’s parents should not be unknown. On the one hand, it brings joy, and on the other hand, it brings fear.”
Confucius said, “In ancient times, people did not speak out because they were ashamed of not being able to live up to their words.”
Confucius said, “Those who lose by being frugal are few.” (4.23)
Confucius said, “A gentleman desires to be slow to speak but quick to act.” (4.24)
Confucius said, “Virtue is never solitary; it always has neighbors.” (4.25)
『4.26』 Ziyou said: “If you serve your lord too often, you will be disgraced; if you make friends too often, you will become estranged.”
*lunyu.005
Gongye Chang Fifth
‘5.1’ Confucius said to Gongye Chang, ‘She is a suitable wife. Although she is imprisoned, it is not her fault.’ He then
married his daughter to her.
’52’ Confucius said to Nan Rong, ‘When the state is well-governed, he will not be dismissed; when the state is poorly governed, he will escape punishment.’ So Confucius married his brother’s daughter to him.
5.3 Confucius said of Zixia, “What a gentleman this man is! If there were no gentlemen in Lu, where would he have come from?”
5.4 Zigong asked, “What do you think of me, Ci?” Confucius replied, “You are a vessel.” Zigong asked, “What kind of vessel?” Confucius replied,
“A sacrificial vessel.”
5.5 Someone said, “Yong is benevolent but not eloquent.” Confucius said, “What use is eloquence? If one relies on words to govern others, one will often be disliked. If one does not
know benevolence, what use is eloquence?”
5.6 The Master appointed Qi Tong to serve in the government. Qi Tong replied, “I am not yet able to trust him.” The Master was pleased.
5.7 The Master said, “If the Way is not practiced, I will take a raft and float on the sea. Who will follow me? It will be You.” Zilu was pleased to hear this. The Master said,
“You is more courageous than I am, but he has no discernment.”
5.8 Meng Wubo asked Zilu if he was benevolent. Confucius replied, “I do not know.” He asked again. Confucius said, “You (Zilu), in a state of a thousand chariots
, could be made to manage its taxes, but I do not know if he is benevolent.”
”What about Qiu (Zilu)?” Confucius said, “Qiu (Qiu), in a town of a thousand households or a family of a hundred chariots, could be made its steward, but I do not know if he is
benevolent.”
”What about Chi (Zilu)?” Confucius said, “Chi (Zilu), standing in court with his sash tied, could be made to speak with guests, but I do not know if he is benevolent.
”
5.9 Confucius said to Zigong, “Who is better, you or Hui?” Zigong replied, “How dare I compare myself to Hui? Hui can understand
ten things from one, while I can only understand two.” Confucius said, “You are not as good as him; neither are you.”
5.10 Zai Yu was sleeping during the day. Confucius said, “Rotten wood cannot be carved, nor can a wall of dung be built;
what is the use of rebuking Zai Yu?” Confucius said, “At first, I judged people by their words and believed their actions; now I judge people by their words and observe their actions.
It is because of Zai Yu that I have changed this.”
5.11 The Master said, “I have not seen a truly resolute person.” Someone replied, “Shen Cheng.” The Master said, “Cheng is greedy; how can he be resolute
?”
5.12 Zigong said, “I do not wish others to impose upon me, nor do I wish to impose upon others.” Confucius said, “Zigong,
this is beyond your reach.”
『5.13』Zigong said: “The Master’s writings can be heard, but his words on human nature and the Way of Heaven cannot be heard
.”
『5.14』Zilu heard something, but he could not put it into practice. He was afraid that he would hear something.
5.15 Zigong asked, “Why is Kong Wenzi called ‘Wen’?” Confucius replied, “He was quick-witted and eager to learn, and he was not ashamed to
ask questions of those who were less learned than himself. This is what is meant by ‘Wen’.”
『5.16』The Master said of Zichan, “He has four qualities of a gentleman: he is respectful in his conduct, reverent in his service to his superiors, benevolent in his care for the people
, and righteous in his use of the people.”
Confucius said, “Yan Pingzhong was good at making friends with people, and people respected him after a long time.”
5.18 The Master said: “Zang Wenzhong lived in Cai, and his character was like a mountain with knotted algae (wooden ornaments). How could he be considered wise?”
5.19 Zizhang asked, “Lingyin Ziwen served as Lingyin three times, yet showed no joy; he was dismissed three times, yet showed no resentment.
He always informed the new Lingyin of the policies of the previous Lingyin. What do you think of him?” Confucius said, “He is loyal.” Zizhang asked, “Is he benevolent?” Confucius said, “I do not know;
—how can one attain benevolence?”
Cui Zi killed the ruler of Qi. Chen Wenzi had ten chariots, but he abandoned them and fled. When he arrived in another state, he said, ‘He is still like my great Cui Zi
.’ He fled. When he arrived in another state, he said again, ‘He is still like my minister Cui Zi.’ He fled. What do you think of him?” Confucius said, “He is pure
.” Zizhang asked, “Is he benevolent?” Confucius said, “I do not know;—how can one attain benevolence?”
『5.20』Ji Wenzi thought thrice before acting. When Confucius heard of this, he said, “Twice is enough.”
5.21 The Master said: “The five men of Yong, when the state is well-governed, they are wise; when the state is poorly governed, they are foolish. Their wisdom is attainable; their foolishness is unattainable
.”
5.22 When Confucius was in Chen, he said, “Let’s go back! Let’s go back! The young men of my party are wild and unrestrained, yet they compose elegant and eloquent essays. I don’t know how to correct them
.”
Confucius said, “Bo Yi and Shu Qi did not dwell on past grievances, therefore their resentment was rare.”
5.24 Confucius said, “Who says that Weisheng is upright? Someone asked him for vinegar, and he asked his neighbors for it and gave it to them.”
5.25 The Master said: “Clever words, a flattering appearance, and excessive politeness—Zuo Qiuming was ashamed of them, and so am I. To conceal one’s grievances while befriending another—
Zuo Qiuming was ashamed of them, and so am I.”
5.26 Yan Yuan and Zi Lu were in attendance.
Confucius said, “Why don’t you each tell me your aspirations?” Zi Lu said, “I wish to share my carriage, horses, clothes, and light fur coat with my friends without regret.”
Yan Yuan said, “I wish to avoid boasting of my virtues and avoid showing off my efforts.”
Zi Lu said, “I wish to hear your aspirations, Master.” Confucius
said, “To bring peace to the elderly, to be trusted by friends, and to be cherished by the young.”
Confucius said, “Alas! I have never seen anyone who can see his own faults and apologize to himself.”
5.28 Confucius said, “In a town of ten households, there must be someone as loyal and trustworthy as I am, but none as fond of learning as I am.”
*lunyu.006
Yongye Sixth
6. Confucius said, “Yong could be made to face south.”
『62』 Zhonggong asked about Zisang Bozi. Confucius said, “He is simple.”
Zhonggong said, “Is it not acceptable to govern one’s people with reverence and simplicity? And to govern with simplicity and simplicity, is that not too much simplicity
?” Confucius said, “Yong’s words are correct.”
『63』Duke Ai asked, “Which of your disciples is the most studious?” Confucius replied, “There was Yan Hui who was studious, never held a grudge, and never repeated his mistakes
. Unfortunately, he died young, and now he is gone. I have not heard of any other disciple who is studious.”
『6.4』 When Zihua was sent as an envoy to Qi, Ranzi asked for chestnuts for his mother. Confucius
said, “Give her a cauldron.” Ranzi asked for more.
Confucius said, “Give her a granary.” Ranzi gave him five bushels of chestnuts.
Confucius said, “When Chi went to Qi, he rode a fat horse and wore a light fur coat. I have heard it said: A gentleman helps those in need but does not extend his help to the rich.”
『6.5』 Yuan Si was offered nine hundred bushels of grain as his steward, but he declined. Confucius said, “Do not! Share it with your neighbors and fellow villagers!”
『66』The Master said to Zhonggong, “The calf of the ploughing ox (Ma Xin) has horns. Even if we wish not to use it, would the mountains and rivers not allow it?”
『67』The Master said: “Hui, his heart does not deviate from benevolence for three months. The others, however, only reach it for a day or a month.”
6.8 Ji Kangzi asked, “Is Zhong You suitable for government service?” Confucius replied, “You is resolute; what difficulty would he have in government service?”
He asked, “Could I put Ci to government service?” He replied, “Ci is knowledgeable; what difficulty would he have in governing?”
He asked, “Could I put Qiu to government service?” He replied, “Qiu is skilled in arts; what difficulty would he have in governing?”
『6.9』The Ji family appointed Min Ziqian as the magistrate of Fei. Min Ziqian said, “Please resign for me! If anyone replies to me, they will surely
be on the banks of the Wen River.”
『6.10』 Bo Niu was ill. When Zi asked him about it, he took Bo Niu’s hand through the window and said, “He is gone! It is fate! This man has this ailment
! This man has this ailment!”
6.11 The Master said, “How virtuous is Hui! A single bamboo bowl of rice, a gourd of water, living in a humble alley—others would find it unbearable, but Hui does not
change his joy. How virtuous is Hui!”
『612』Ran Qiu said, “It’s not that I don’t like your way, but I lack the strength.” Confucius said, “Those who lack the strength give up halfway
. Now you are drawing a diagram.”
『6.13』The Master said to Zixia, “Be a gentlemanly scholar! Do not be a petty scholar!”
『614』 Ziyou was the magistrate of Wucheng. Confucius said, “Have you found a good man?” Ziyou replied, “There is a man named Zhantai Mieming. He never
takes shortcuts and never goes to my house unless it is for official business.”
6.15 The Master said, “Meng Zhifan did not boast of his achievements. When he fled, he brought up the rear. As he was about to enter the gate, he whipped his horse and said, ‘It is not that I dared to lag behind, but
my horse will not advance.’”
『616』The Master said: “If one does not have the flattery of Zhu Tuo, but has the beauty of Song Chao, it will be difficult to escape the world today.”
6.17 The Master said, “Who can go out without passing through the door? Why not follow this path?”
『618』The Master said: “When substance prevails over refinement, one becomes rustic; when refinement prevails over substance, one becomes pedantic. Only when substance and refinement are in perfect balance can one be a gentleman.”
『619』The Master said: “Man is born upright; he who is dishonest is lucky to escape punishment.”
『620』The Master said: “Knowing it is not as good as liking it, and liking it is not as good as enjoying it.”
6.21 The Master said: “People of average or above average can be spoken to about higher things; people of below average or below average cannot be spoken to about higher things.”
『6.22』Fan Chi asked about wisdom. Confucius said, “To devote oneself to the duties of the people, to respect the spirits and gods but keep them at a distance, this may be called wisdom.”
He asked about benevolence. Confucius said, “The benevolent person puts difficulties first and gains rewards later, this may be called benevolence.”
『623』The Master said: “The wise find pleasure in water, the benevolent find pleasure in mountains. The wise are active, the benevolent are tranquil. The wise are joyful, the benevolent are long-lived.”
『624』The Master said: “If Qi changes once, it will become like Lu; if Lu changes once, it will become like the Way.”
6.25 The Master said: “A gu (a type of ancient Chinese wine vessel) is not a gu at all, yet it is a gu! A gu is a gu!”
6.26 Zai Wo asked, “If a benevolent person were told, ‘There is a benevolent person in the well,’ would he follow him?” Confucius replied, “Why
would he? A gentleman may be led astray, but not trapped; he may be deceived, but not misled.”
6.27 Confucius said, “A gentleman who is well-versed in literature and restrained by propriety will not stray from the right path.”
6.28 When Confucius met Nanzi, Zilu was displeased. Confucius swore an oath, saying, “May Heaven punish me for what I have done wrong! May Heaven punish me!”
『629』The Master said: “The virtue of the mean is indeed supreme! It has been rare among the people for a long time.”
『6.30』 Zigong asked, “If someone were to generously give to the people and help the masses, what would you say of him? Could he be called benevolent?” Confucius replied, “What does that have to do
with benevolence? He would surely be a sage! Even Yao and Shun would have found it difficult! The benevolent man, wishing to establish himself, also establishes others; wishing to achieve success
, also helps others achieve success. If one can take what is near at hand as a model, that can be called the way of benevolence.”
*lunyu.007
The Seventh Analects
『71』The Master said: “I transmit but do not create; I believe in and love antiquity; I would like to be a thief like myself, Old Peng.”
『7.2』The Master said: “To silently remember what one has learned, to learn without being weary, and to teach others without being tired—what is there for me in these things?”
『7.3』The Master said: “I am worried about the lack of cultivation of virtue, the lack of study, the inability to follow what is right when heard, and the inability to correct what is wrong.”
7.4 When the Master is at leisure, he is relaxed and carefree, and exudes a cheerful and carefree air.
7.5 Confucius said, “How I grieve! For a long time I have not dreamed of the Duke of Zhou!”
『76』The Master said: “Set your mind on the Way, base yourself on virtue, rely on benevolence, and find enjoyment in the arts.”
『7』The Master said: “I have never refused to teach anyone who brings me a bundle of dried meat as tuition.”
『7.8』The Master said: “I do not blame those who are not indignant, nor do I instruct those who are not anxious to express themselves. If I raise one corner of a subject and the student cannot deduce the other three, I will not teach him again.”
『7.9』When the son ate beside someone who was in mourning, he never ate his fill.
『7.10』Then the son cried, and then he did not sing.
7.11 Confucius said to Yan Yuan, “When employed, act; when dismissed, remain hidden. Only you and I possess this quality.”
Zilu asked, “If you were to lead the three armies, who would you choose?”
Confucius replied, “I would not choose someone who would recklessly confront a tiger or ford a river, dying without regret. I would choose someone who is cautious in the face of danger and who plans carefully before acting
.”
7.12 The Master said, “If wealth could be obtained through proper means, I would be willing to be a whip-bearer. If it cannot be obtained through proper means, I will follow my own inclinations.
”
『7.13』What the Master was cautious about: Qi (雜), war, and illness.
『7.14』When Confucius heard the Shao music in Qi, he did not taste meat for three months, saying, “I never imagined that music could reach such a level.”
『7.15』 Ran You asked, “Master, are you serving the ruler of Wei?” Zigong replied, “Yes; I will ask him.”
He went in and asked, “Who were Boyi and Shuqi?” He replied, “They were virtuous men of ancient times.” He asked, “Did they harbor resentment?”
He replied, “They sought benevolence and attained it, so what resentment could they have?”
He left and said, “Master, you will not serve him.”
『7.16』The Master said: “Eating coarse food and drinking water, with my arm as a pillow, I can still find joy in it. Wealth and honor obtained unjustly are to
me like floating clouds.”
『7.17』The Master said, “If I were given a few more years, and I studied the Book of Changes at the age of fifty, I would be able to avoid making any major mistakes.”
『7.18』The elegant language used by the Master includes poetry, books, and the performance of rites.
『7.19』Duke Ye asked Confucius about Zilu, but Zilu did not answer. Confucius said, “Why didn’t you say, ‘He is a man who forgets
to eat when he is engrossed in study, forgets his worries when he is happy, and is unaware that old age is approaching’?”
『7.20』The Master said: “I am not one who is born with knowledge, but one who loves antiquity and seeks it diligently.”
『7.21』The Master did not speak of strange phenomena, physical strength, disorder, or spirits.
『7.22』The Master said: “When three people walk together, there must be one who can teach me. I will choose his good points and follow them, and correct his bad points.”
『7.23』The Master said: “Heaven has endowed me with virtue; what can Heaven do to me if I constantly decline?”
7.24 The Master said, “Do you think I am hiding anything from you? I am not hiding anything from you. There is nothing I do that I do not share with you. This is
me.”
『7.25』The Master taught four things: literature, conduct, loyalty, and trustworthiness.
『7.26』The Master said, “I have not been able to see a sage; it would be enough to see a gentleman.”
The Master said, “I have not been able to find tranquility in a good person; it would be enough to see one who is steadfast. To pretend to have what one has, to pretend to be full when one is empty
, to pretend to be generous when one is frugal—it is difficult to be steadfast.”
『7.27』The man fishes without a net, and shoots at sleeping creatures with a spear.
『7.28』The Master said: “There are those who do things without knowing them, but I am not one of them. To hear much, to choose what is good and to follow it; to see much
and to remember it; this is the next best thing in terms of knowledge.”
『7.29』It was difficult to talk to the people of Huxiang. When a young boy came to see him, the disciples were puzzled. Confucius said, “It is better to advance than to retreat. Why be so harsh
? People purify themselves to advance. It is better to purify themselves than to go on.”
『7.30』The Master said: “Is benevolence far away? If I desire benevolence, then benevolence is at hand.”
『7.31』 Chen Sibai asked Duke Zhao if he knew propriety. Confucius said, “He knew propriety.”
After Confucius withdrew, he bowed to Wuma Qi and said, “I have heard that a gentleman does not form factions.
Does a gentleman also form factions? Your Majesty married a woman from Wu, who shares the same surname, and called her Wu Mengzi. If Your Majesty knows propriety, who does not know propriety?”
Wuma Qi told Confucius this. Confucius said, “I am fortunate that if I have any faults, people will surely know them.”
『7.32』When you sing with someone and they sing well, you must make them sing in reverse, and then you can join in.
『7.33』The Master said: “In terms of literature, I am no different from others. But in terms of practicing the ways of a gentleman, I have not yet attained it.”
『7.34』The Master said, “As for sagehood and benevolence, how could I dare to claim them? But to strive tirelessly for them and to teach others without weariness, that is all I can say
.” Gongxi Hua said, “That is precisely what I, your disciple, cannot learn.”
7.35 When Confucius was ill, Zilu asked to pray for him. Confucius said, “Is there such a thing?” Zilu replied, “Yes; the eulogy says, ‘Pray
to the gods above and below.'” Confucius said, “I have been praying for a long time.”
『7.36』The Master said: “Extravagance leads to disrespect, while frugality leads to firmness. Rather than being disrespectful, it is better to be firm.”
『7.37』The Master said: “A gentleman is always at ease, while a petty person is always anxious.”
『7.38』The Master was gentle yet stern, dignified yet not fierce, respectful yet at ease.
*lunyu.008
Taibo Eighth
Confucius said, “Taibo can be called the epitome of virtue. He thrice yielded the throne to the people, and they had no words to praise him.”
Confucius said: “Respect without propriety becomes laborious; caution without propriety becomes timidity; courage without propriety becomes disorder; straightforwardness without propriety becomes harshness.”
When a virtuous person is devoted to their family, the people will be inspired to be benevolent. When old friends are not forgotten, the people will not be dishonest.
When Zengzi fell ill, he summoned his disciples and said, “Open my feet! Open my hands! The poem says, ‘Trembling with fear, as if facing a deep
abyss,
as if treading on thin ice.’ From now on, I know I am spared! My children!”
When Zengzi fell ill, Meng Jingzi inquired about his condition. Zengzi said, “When a bird is about to die, its song is mournful;
when a person is about to die, their words are virtuous. A gentleman values three things in the Way: by controlling his countenance, he avoids violence and arrogance;
by maintaining a dignified expression, he approaches sincerity and laughter; by uttering words with a certain tone, he avoids vulgarity and treachery. As for matters of ritual and ceremonial rites, these are handled by the officials in charge.”
Zengzi said, “To ask those who are less capable, to ask those who are less knowledgeable, to act as if one has nothing, to remain calm in the face of truth, and to not hold grudges against
those who offend you—this is what my friend used to do.”
Zengzi said, “He can be entrusted with the care of an orphan, and can be entrusted with the fate of a hundred-mile territory. When faced with a great crisis, he cannot be swayed
. He is a true gentleman.”
Zengzi said, “A scholar cannot but be resolute and persevering, for his burden is heavy and his journey is long. To take benevolence as one’s own responsibility, is that not a heavy burden? To
strive until death, is that not a long journey?”
Confucius said, “One is inspired by poetry, established by rites, and perfected by music.”
Confucius said, “The people can be made to follow a path, but they cannot be made to understand it.”
Confucius said, “A fondness for bravery and a dislike of poverty leads to chaos. When people are not benevolent, and one’s hatred of them becomes excessive, that also leads to chaos.”
Confucius said, “Even if someone possessed the talent and virtues of the Duke of Zhou, if he were arrogant and stingy, the rest would be unworthy of consideration.”
Confucius said, “If one studies for three years and does not even obtain grain, it is not easy to achieve this.”
Confucius said, “Be steadfast in your faith and love learning, and uphold the Way even unto death. Do not serve in a dangerous state, nor reside in a chaotic state. When the world is governed by the Way, appear in public; when
it is not, remain hidden. In a state governed by the Way, to be poor and lowly is shameful; in a state not governed by the Way, to be rich and noble is shameful.”
Confucius said, “If you are not in a position of authority, do not concern yourself with its affairs.”
Confucius said, “The beginning of Shi Zhi’s performance and the disordered performance of Guan Ju are so captivating that they fill the ears.”
Confucius said: “To be arrogant but not upright, to be simple but not willing, to be vain but not trustworthy—I do not know what such a person is.”
Confucius said, “Learning is like chasing after something; you always fear losing it.”
Confucius said, “How majestic were Shun and Yu when they possessed the world, yet they did not participate in it.”
Confucius said, “How great was Yao’s army! How majestic it was! Only Heaven is great, and only Yao followed its example. How boundless it was!
The people could not name it. How magnificent were his achievements! How brilliant were his accomplishments!”
Shun had five ministers, and the world was at peace. King Wu said, “I have ten ministers who cause chaos.” Confucius said, “Talent is rare.”
Indeed, during the time of Tang and Yu, this was the most prosperous period, and there were nine women among them. They controlled two-thirds of the world
,
serving the Yin dynasty. The virtue of Zhou can truly be called the highest virtue.
Confucius said, “I have no fault to find with Yu. He ate and drank sparingly, yet he was filial to the spirits; he wore coarse clothes, yet he wore fine robes
;
he lived in humble dwellings, yet he devoted himself to caring for the people. I have no fault to find with Yu.”
*lunyu.009
Zihan Ninth
Confucius rarely spoke of profit, destiny, or benevolence.
The people of Daxing said, “How great is Confucius! He is learned in many things, yet he has not achieved fame in any one area.” When Confucius heard this, he said to his disciples,
“What should I specialize in? Charioteering or archery? I will specialize in charioteering.”
Confucius said, “Wearing a hempen cap is proper etiquette. Now, people are simply frugal, so I will follow the majority. Bowing down is proper etiquette. Now, bowing up is arrogant.
Even
if it is far from the majority, I will follow the lower position.”
The Master should avoid four things: preconceived notions, dogmatism, stubbornness, and egoism.
Ziwei was in Kuang. He said, “King Wen is dead, but is not his culture here with me? Heaven has decreed that this culture will perish.
Those who die later cannot participate in this culture. Heaven has not yet perished this culture. What can the people of Kuang do to me?”
The Grand Steward asked Zigong, “Is Your Majesty a sage? How can you be so capable?” Zigong replied, “Indeed, you are a
sage bestowed by Heaven,
and also very capable.” Upon hearing this, the Master said, “Does the Grand Steward understand me? I was poor when I was young, therefore I learned many humble skills.
Are there many gentlemen like this? No, not many!”
Lao said, “Ziyun said, ‘I do not take the exam, therefore I learn the arts.'”
Confucius said, “Do I have knowledge? No, I have no knowledge. A simple man asked me a question, and I was completely ignorant; I explored both ends of his question and
exhausted all my knowledge.”
Confucius said, “The phoenix does not appear, and the Yellow River does not produce a map; I am doomed!”
When Confucius saw someone in mourning clothes, someone in ceremonial robes, or a blind person, even if they were young, he would rise; when passing by them, he would hasten his pace.
Yan Yuan sighed and said, “The more I look up to it, the higher it seems; the more I delve into it, the harder it becomes; I gaze at it in front of me, and suddenly it is behind me!
The Master skillfully guides people step by step: he enriches me with literature and restrains me with propriety. I want to stop but cannot; I have exhausted my talents, and
it seems as if something has been established, lofty and prominent; though I wish to follow it, I have no way to do so!”
When Zilu fell ill, he had his disciples act as his ministers. Upon hearing of Zilu’s illness, Zilu said, “How long has this been going on! You (Zilu’s courtesy name) has been deceitful!
He acts as if he has ministers when he has none. Whom am I deceiving? Am I deceiving Heaven? Moreover, rather than die at the hands of his ministers,
wouldn’t it be better for me to die at the hands of these two or three of you? And even if I cannot have a grand funeral, will I die on the road?”
Zigong said, “If there is a beautiful jade here, should we keep it hidden away or seek a good merchant to sell it?”
Confucius said, “Sell it! Sell it! I am waiting for a buyer!”
Confucius wished to live among the Nine Yi tribes. Someone said, “That’s a humble place; how can you do that?” Confucius replied, “If a virtuous person lives there, how can it be considered humble?”
Confucius said, “After I returned to Lu from Wei, I corrected the music, and the Odes and Hymns were all properly placed.”
Confucius said, “When I go out, I serve the high officials; when I return home, I serve my father and elder brothers. I dare not neglect my duties during funerals, and I am not troubled by wine. What is there for me to
worry about?”
Confucius, standing by a river, said, “It flows on like this river, never ceasing day or night.”
Confucius said, “I have never seen anyone who loves virtue as much as he loves beauty.”
Confucius said, “It is like building a mountain; if you stop before completing even one basket of earth, I will stop! It is like leveling ground; even if you only add one basket of earth,
I will continue!”
Confucius said, “Is not Yan Hui the one who never tires of being told what to do?”
Confucius said to Yan Yuan, “What a pity! I have seen his progress, but I have not seen him stop!”
Confucius said, “There are those seedlings that do not bloom, and there are those that bloom but do not bear fruit!”
Confucius said, “The young are to be respected; how can we know that those who come after us will not surpass us? If one is forty or fifty and has not made a name for himself,
then he is no longer to be feared!”
Confucius said, “Can one not follow the words of the Lord? It is valuable to correct them! Can one not be pleased by the words of the Lord?
It is valuable to interpret them! If one is pleased but does not interpret, and follows but does not correct, then I have nothing more to do with him!”
Confucius said, “Be loyal and trustworthy. Do not befriend those who are not as good as yourself. If you make a mistake, do not hesitate to correct it.”
Confucius said, “An army may be taken away from its commander, but a common man cannot be taken away from his will.”
Confucius said, “To stand among those dressed in tattered clothes and badger feathers without feeling ashamed—that must be You!
‘Not envious, not greedy, what is there to be ashamed of?'” Zilu recited this throughout his life. Confucius said, “This is the Way, but how can it be ashamed of
?”
Confucius said, “Only when the year grows cold do we know that the pine and cypress are the last to wither.”
Confucius said, “The wise are not perplexed; the benevolent are not worried; the courageous are not afraid.”
Confucius said, “One may study together, but not necessarily walk the same path; one may walk the same path, but not necessarily stand together; one may stand together, but not necessarily share
power.”
“The flowers of the pear tree, so beautiful they sway in the breeze; how could I not think of you? Yet your home is so far away.” Confucius said, “I have not thought of you;
how can it be far away?”
*lunyu.010
The Tenth Township Party
In his hometown, Confucius was respectful and unassuming, as if he could not speak. But in the ancestral temple and the imperial court, he was always at ease and cautious.
When speaking with lower-ranking officials, he is eloquent and composed; when speaking with higher-ranking officials, he is [unclear/unclear]. When the ruler is present, he is [unclear/unclear]
and composed.
When the ruler summoned him to leave, his expression changed drastically. He stood with his feet flat on the ground, bowing to those standing nearby, his hands on his left and right, his clothes in front and back, his posture relaxed.
They advance, as if on wings. When the guest departs, they must report back, saying, “The guest has not returned.”
Upon entering the public gate, one bows deeply, as if there is no room for further bowing. One does not stand in the middle of the gate, nor walk on the threshold. When passing a seat, one’s expression turns grim,
one’s feet tremble, and one’s words seem insufficient. When ascending the hall, one bows deeply,
holding one’s breath as if unable to catch one’s breath. Descending one step, one’s expression becomes cheerful and serene; one hastenes up the steps with swift movements; returning to one’s seat, one is dignified and composed.
Holding the jade tablet, he bowed deeply, as if unable to bear it. His movements were as if he were offering a toast above and a gift below, his expression fierce as if in battle, his feet moving with measured steps as if following a set pattern.
When receiving gifts, one is radiant with joy; when meeting in private, one is delighted with pleasure.
A gentleman does not wear dark blue or purple as adornment, nor does he wear red or purple as casual wear; in the heat of summer, he must wear an outer garment. He wears
a black lambskin robe, a white lambskin robe, and a yellow fox fur robe. His casual fur robe is long, with the right sleeve shorter. (He must have a sleeping garment, one
and a half times his height.)
It is thick enough for sleeping. During mourning, he wears all kinds of adornments. Anything other than a curtain or skirt must be removed. A lambskin robe and a black cap are not worn for mourning.
In auspicious months, he must wear court attire to court. During the mourning period, he must have a bright, cloth robe; and a sleeping garment, one and a half times his height.
One should not be too particular about the fineness of food, nor about the delicacy of its preparation. One should not eat fish that is spoiled or meat that is rotten. One should not eat food that is discolored or smelly
.
One should not eat food that is improperly cooked or out of season. One should not eat food that is not properly cut or served with the right sauce. Even if there is plenty of meat, one should not let it overwhelm the appetite
; one should drink wine without restraint, but not to the point of intoxication. One should not eat wine bought from the market or dried meat
from the street. One should not remove ginger from one’s meals. One should not eat too much. When offering sacrifices to ancestors, one should not keep the meat overnight. Sacrificial meat should not be kept for more than three days; if it has been kept for more than three days, one should not eat it. One should not speak while eating or sleeping. Even with coarse food and vegetable soup…
When offering melons, the offerings must be made in perfect unison.
I will not sit if the mat is not straight.
When the villagers drink wine, the man with the cane leaves, and so does the villager. When the villagers perform the exorcism ritual, the man in court attire stands on the eastern steps.
When asking someone in another country, one should bow twice and see them off.
When Kangzi presented him with medicine, he bowed and accepted it, saying, “I am not yet versed in this, so I dare not taste it.”
When the stable burned down, the king left the court and asked, “Were any people injured?” He did not ask about the horses.
When the ruler bestows food, one must taste it first at the main table. When the ruler bestows raw meat, one must cook it and offer it. When the ruler bestows live animals, one must raise them. One serves food to
the ruler;
when the ruler offers sacrifices, one eats rice first.
When the illness struck, the emperor looked upon him and, facing east, added his court robes and sash.
He was summoned by the emperor and did not wait for the emperor to arrive.
Upon entering the grand temple, I inquired about everything.
When a friend dies and has nowhere to go, he says, “I will bury him.” He will not bow to gifts from his friend, even if they are carriages and horses, unless they contain sacrificial meat.
One should not sleep like a corpse, nor should one live in a place where one cannot stand still.
When encountering someone in mourning attire, even familiarity must be replaced by a change of demeanor. When encountering someone in a crown or a blind person, even in a casual manner, a respectful expression must be maintained. When seeing someone in mourning clothes, one must bow respectfully;
when bowing to someone carrying a ceremonial tablet, if there is a lavish feast to be had, one must change color and become serious. One must change one’s demeanor in the face of sudden thunder or strong winds.
When ascending the chariot, one must stand upright and hold the reins. One should not look inside the chariot, speak hastily, or point directly.
The pheasant took flight, soaring before settling down. It exclaimed, “The female pheasant on the mountain ridge, what a timely moment!” Zilu shared this with it, and after three sniffs,
it rose again.
*lunyu.011
Advanced Eleventh
Confucius said: “Those who are advanced in rites and music are rustic; those who are behind in rites and music are gentlemen. If they are to be employed, I will follow the one who is advanced
.”
『2』Confucius said: “Those who followed me in Chen and Cai all failed to reach my door.”
『3』Virtue: Yan Yuan, Min Ziqian, Ran Boniu, Zhong Gong; Speech: Zai Wo, Zi Gong; Politics: Ran You, Li
Lu
; Literature: Zi You, Zi Xia.
『4』The Master said: “Hui is not one to help me! He is pleased with everything I say.”
Confucius said, “How filial is Min Ziqian! No one can find fault with his statement that both his parents are his brothers.”
『6』Nan Rong thrice praised Bai Gui, and Confucius married his brother’s daughter to him.
『7』Li Kangzi asked: “Which of your disciples is the most studious?” Confucius replied: “There was Yan Hui who was studious, but unfortunately he died young
!
Now he is gone.”
[8] When Yan Yuan died, Yan Lu asked Confucius’s carriage to be used as his outer coffin. Confucius said, “Whether a son is talented or not, everyone speaks of their own son. When Li died
,
he had a coffin but no outer coffin; I did not walk on foot to make him an outer coffin because I was following behind the high officials and could not walk on foot.”
『9』When Yan Hui died, Confucius said, “Alas! Heaven has taken him from me! Heaven has taken him from me!”
『10』When Yan Yuan died, Confucius wept bitterly. His followers said, “You are grieving too much!” He replied, “
Who else but this person should grieve for me!”
『11』When Yan Hui died, his disciples wanted to give him a grand funeral, but Confucius said, “No.” The disciples still gave him a grand funeral. Confucius said, “Hui
regarded me as a father, but I could not regard him as a son. It is not my fault, but the fault of you disciples.”
『12』 Li Lu asked about serving ghosts and spirits. Confucius said, “If you cannot serve men, how can you serve ghosts?” “May I ask about death?” Confucius replied, “I do not
know. ”
“How can one know about death when one is alive?”
『13』Minzi was at his side, U+8ABEU+8ABE, composed; Zilu was upright and unhurried; Ran You and Zigong were eloquent and talkative
.
Zi was pleased. “If it were You, he would not have died a natural death.”
『14』The people of Lu built a long government office. Min Ziqian said, “Why not keep the old ways? Why make changes?” Confucius said, “A true man
does not speak, but when he does, he always hits the nail on the head.”
15. Confucius said, “You (Zilu) is playing the zither at my gate.” His disciples did not respect Zilu. Confucius said, “You has ascended to the hall, but
has not yet entered the inner chamber!”
『16』 Zigong asked, “Which is more virtuous, Shi or Shang?” Confucius replied, “Shi goes too far, Shang doesn’t go far enough.” Zigong said, “Then…”
“Is it better or worse?” Confucius said, “Going too far is as bad as not going far enough.”
『17』The Li family was richer than the Duke of Zhou, and Qiu (Li Qiu) amassed wealth for them and further enriched them. Confucius said, “He is not one of my disciples. My young disciples, beat the drum
.”
“Attack them!”
『18』 Chai was foolish, Shen was dull, Shi was eccentric, and You was U+55AD. Confucius said: “Hui is truly extraordinary! He is often empty-handed; Ci
is not… ”
He received orders and engaged in trade; his predictions were consistently accurate.
『19』 Zizhang asked about the way of the virtuous person. Confucius said: “He who does not follow in others’ footsteps will not even enter the inner chambers of a house!” Confucius said: “Is
he a gentleman who is earnest in his discussions, or one who is dignified in appearance?”
『20』 Zilu asked, “Should one act immediately upon hearing something?” Confucius replied, “With your father and elder brothers still alive, how can you act immediately upon hearing something?” Ran You
asked.
“Should I act immediately upon hearing something?” Confucius said, “Act immediately upon hearing something!” Gongxi Hua said, “You asked, ‘Should I act immediately upon hearing something?’ Confucius
said… ”
“With your father and elder brothers still alive,” Qiu asked, “Should I act immediately upon hearing something?” Confucius replied, “Act immediately upon hearing something.” Chi was moved and asked, “May I ask why?
”
Confucius said: “Ran Qiu is too reserved, so I encouraged him; You are too impetuous, so I restrained you.”
『21』When Confucius was in danger in Kuang, Yan Hui was behind him. Confucius said, “I thought you were dead!” Yan Hui replied, “With you here, how could I dare to die!
”
『22』 Li Ziran asked: “Can Zhong You and Ran Qiu be considered great ministers?” Confucius said: “I thought your question was unusual. Zeng
You…”
Yu Qiu asked, “What is meant by a minister? A minister serves his ruler with the Way; if he cannot, he should cease his service. Now, Yu Qiu can be considered a fully-fledged minister.” He replied,
“…”
“Then would you follow him?” Confucius said, “I would not follow him even if he were to kill his father or his ruler.”
『23』 Zilu appointed Zigao as the magistrate of Fei. Confucius said, “You’ve ruined that man’s son!” Zilu replied, “There are people there! There is the altar of the land and grain!”
“Why must one read books before learning?” Confucius said, “That is why I despise those who are glib and flattering.”
『24』 Zilu, Zengzi, Ran You, and Gongxi Hua were sitting in attendance. Confucius said, “Because I am one day older than you, do not take me for granted
.”
“When he was at home, he said, ‘No one understands me!’ But if someone did understand me, what would I do?” Zilu readily replied, ”
A state with a thousand chariots…”
Between powerful nations, U+9592, coupled with military campaigns and famine, led by You Ye, within three years, it was possible to make Xingman (a type of apricot
) bloom.
“And you know the square.” Confucius smiled at him. “Qiu, what about you?” He replied, “A square of sixty or seventy squares, or fifty or sixty squares, I, Qiu, can do it.
”
“If we wait until three years, we can make the people prosperous; as for rites and music, we will await the arrival of a wise ruler.” “Chi, what do you think?” He replied, “No.
”
“I am capable, and I wish to learn! Regarding matters of ancestral temples, such as assemblies, I would like to serve as a minor assistant, adorned in my official robes and cap.” “Dian, what do you think?” (Playing the zither
)
Xi, with a clang, put down his zither and stood up. He replied, “My writings differ from those of the other three.” Confucius said, “What harm is there? Each of you is simply stating your own aspirations.
”
“He said, ‘In late spring, when the spring clothes are ready, five or six adults and six or seven children go to bathe in the Yi River, enjoy the breeze at the Dance Altar, and sing
…’ ”
“Return.” Confucius sighed and said, “I agree with Dian!” The three disciples left, with Zeng following behind. Zeng said,
”
“What did the three disciples say?” Confucius said, “They were simply expressing their own aspirations!” The disciple asked, “Why did you smile at You, Master?” Confucius replied, “…
”
“To govern a state with propriety, yet his words are not yielding, hence I laugh at him.” “Is it not true that he seeks to govern a state?” “How can you see a territory of sixty or seventy square kilometers, like
five…”
“Sixty, yet not a state.” “Is it only Chi that is not a state?” “The ancestral temple and assemblies—what else are they but those of feudal lords? Chi is small in comparison
; who can be great?”
*lunyu.012
Yan Yuan Chapter Twelve
[1] Yan Yuan asked about “benevolence.” Confucius said, “To subdue oneself and return to propriety is benevolence. If one could subdue oneself and return to propriety for one day, all under heaven would submit to benevolence. Is the practice of benevolence dependent on
oneself
, or on the practice of benevolence itself?” Yan Yuan said, “May I ask for its specifics?” Confucius said, “Do not look at what is contrary to propriety; do not listen to what is contrary to
propriety ;
do not speak what is contrary to propriety; do not do what is contrary to propriety.” Yan Yuan said, “Although I am not clever, I will strive to put these words into practice!”
『2』 Zhonggong asked about “benevolence”. Confucius said: “When you go out, treat others as if they were important guests; when you employ the people, treat them as if you were conducting a great sacrifice; do not do to others what you would not have them do to you
;
be without resentment in the state and at home.” Zhonggong said: “Although I am not clever, I will strive to put these words into practice!”
[3] Sima Niu asked about “benevolence.” Confucius said, “The benevolent person, in his words…” Sima Niu asked, ” Is
this what
is meant by benevolence?” Confucius said, “It is difficult to practice; how can it not be described?”
[4] Sima Niu asked about the “gentleman.” Confucius said, “The gentleman is neither worried nor afraid.” Sima Niu asked, “Is being neither worried nor afraid what makes one a gentleman
?
” Confucius said, “If one examines oneself and finds no fault, what is there to worry about or fear?”
『5』Sima Niu lamented, “Everyone has brothers, but I alone have none!” Zixia replied, “I have heard it said: ‘Life and death are preordained
,
wealth and honor are determined by Heaven.’ A gentleman is respectful and makes no mistakes, courteous and polite to others; within the four seas, all are brothers. Why should a gentleman worry about having no
brothers
?”
『6』 Zizhang asked about “clarity”. Confucius said: “If a person is susceptible to subtle slander, even if it is superficially received, and it does not prevail, then he can be called ‘clarity’
.
If a person is susceptible to subtle slander, even if it is superficially received, and it does not prevail, then he can be called ‘far-reaching’.”
『7』Zigong asked about “governance”. Confucius said: “Sufficient food, sufficient military strength, and the people’s trust.” Zigong said: “If one must give up
one
of these three, which should be given up first?” Confucius said: “Give up military strength.” Zigong said: “If one must give up one of the other two, which should be given up first?” Confucius
said
: “Give up food; since ancient times, death has been inevitable; without the people’s trust, one cannot stand.”
『8』 Ji Zicheng said: “A gentleman is simply simple, why bother with refinement?” Zigong said: “Alas, Master’s words about a gentleman
are like a fleeting dream!
Refinement is simplicity, and simplicity is refinement; the nature of tigers and leopards is like that of dogs and sheep.”
『9』Duke Ai asked You Ruo, “There is a famine this year, and our resources are insufficient. What should we do?” You Ruo replied, “Why not reduce our expenditures?” Duke Ai said
,
“Even at two-thirds, I still won’t have enough; how can we reduce them further?” You Ruo replied, “If the people have enough, how can the ruler not have enough? If the people do not have enough, how can the ruler
have enough?”
『10』 Zizhang asked, “How to cultivate virtue and discern confusion?” Confucius said, “To uphold loyalty and trustworthiness is to cultivate virtue in the name of righteousness. To love someone and wish them life, to hate someone
and
wish them death; to wish them both life and death—this is confusion!” (Sincerity is not based on wealth, but also on difference.)
『11』Duke Jing of Qi asked Confucius about governance. Confucius replied, “The ruler should be a ruler, the minister a minister, the father a father, and the son a son.”
The Duke said, “Excellent! Indeed, if the ruler is not a ruler, the minister not a minister, the father not a father, and the son not a son, even if there is grain, how can I eat it?”
『12』Confucius said: “He who can decide a case with a single word, is he not Zilu?” Zilu never broke his promise.
Confucius said, “In hearing lawsuits, I am no different from others. The essential thing is to prevent lawsuits from occurring in the first place!”
『14』 Zizhang asked about “governance”. Confucius said: “Be diligent in your duties and act with loyalty.”
Confucius said, “If one studies extensively in literature and restrains oneself with propriety, one will not go astray.”
Confucius said: “A gentleman helps others to achieve good, not evil; a petty person does the opposite.”
『17』 Li Kangzi asked Confucius about governance, and Confucius replied: “Government means being upright. If you lead with uprightness, who would dare to be unrighteous?”
『18』 Li Kangzi was troubled by theft and asked Confucius for advice. Confucius replied, “If you do not desire it, you will not steal even if you are rewarded.”
『19』Li Kangyou collected
[unintelligible characters], …
『20』 Zizhang asked a scholar, “What kind of person can be called accomplished?” Confucius said, “What is it? What you call accomplished!” Zizhang
replied, “One who is well-known in the state and well-known at home.” Confucius said, “That is merely being well-known, not accomplished. A truly accomplished person is one who is honest and upright, loves righteousness
,
observes words and expressions, and is considerate of others; such a person will be accomplished in both the state and at home. As for being well-known, one who outwardly displays benevolence but whose actions contradict it, yet remains unquestioned in their conduct
; such a person will be well-known in both the state and at home.”
『21』Fan Chi followed Confucius to the Wu Yu altar. He asked, “May I ask about upholding virtue, avoiding evil, and discerning right from wrong?” Confucius replied,
“An excellent question! Putting affairs before gains, is that not upholding virtue? Attacking one’s own evil, but not the evil of others, is that not avoiding evil? In a moment of anger
, forgetting oneself and one’s family, is that not delusion?”
『22』 Fan Chi asked about “benevolence.” Confucius said, “Love others.” He asked about “wisdom.” Confucius said, “Know others.” Fan Chi did not understand
. Confucius said, “Promote the upright and set them aside, and you will make the crooked straight.” Fan Chi withdrew and met Zixia, saying, “Just now, I saw the Master
and asked about ‘wisdom’; he said, ‘Promote the upright and set them aside, and you will make the crooked straight.’ What does this mean?” Zixia said, “How profound are your words
! When Shun
ruled the world, he selected from among the people and promoted Tao, and the unbenevolent were far away; when Tang ruled the world, he selected from among the people and promoted Yi Yin, and the unbenevolent
were far away.”
『23』 Zigong asked about “friendship”. Confucius said: “Give loyal advice and guide them well. If they do not accept it, then stop, lest you humiliate yourself.”
『24』Zengzi said: “A gentleman makes friends through literature; he uses friends to cultivate benevolence.”
*lunyu.013
Zilu Chapter Thirteen
『1』 Zilu asked about “governance”. Confucius said: “Lead them, and make them work hard.” Zilu asked for further explanation. Confucius said: “Never tire of it.”
『2』 Zhonggong served as steward for the Li family and asked about “governance.” Confucius said, “First, appoint officials, pardon minor offenses, and promote virtuous and capable people.” Zhonggong asked, “How do you
know who is virtuous and capable and then promote them?” Confucius said, “Promote those you do not know; others will reject them!”
『3』 Zilu said, “The ruler of Wei is waiting for you to govern; what will you do first?” Confucius said, “It must be the rectification of names!” Zilu said
, “Is that so? How impractical you are! What needs to be rectified?” Confucius said, “How uncouth you are, You! A gentleman remains silent about what he does not know. If
names are not correct, then language will not be meaningful; if language is not meaningful, then affairs will not be carried out successfully; if affairs are not carried out successfully, then rites and music will not flourish; if rites and music do not flourish,
then punishments
will not be appropriate; if punishments are not appropriate, then the people will not know where to place themselves. Therefore, a gentleman ensures that names are eloquent and that what he says can be practiced. A gentleman, in
his words, has nothing more to say than…!”
[4] Fan Chi asked to learn farming, and Confucius said, “I am not as good as an old farmer.” Fan Chi then asked to learn gardening, and Confucius said, “I am not as good as an old gardener.” After Fan
Chi left, Confucius said, “How petty Fan Chi is! If those above love propriety, the people will not dare to be disrespectful; if those above love righteousness, the people will not dare to disobey
; if those above love trustworthiness, the people will not dare to be unfaithful. If this is the case, then people from all directions will come carrying their children on their backs; what need is there for farming!”
『5』The Master said: “If someone can recite the Three Hundred Poems, but cannot govern effectively when given a position, or cannot answer appropriately when sent on a mission to the four quarters, what good is all that knowledge
?”
Confucius said: “If one’s conduct is upright, people will follow even without his orders; if one’s conduct is not upright, people will not follow even if he gives orders.”
Confucius said: “The governments of Lu and Wei are like those of brothers.”
[8] Confucius said that Prince Jing of Wei was good at building houses: “When he first had one, he said, ‘It’s just enough;’ When he had a little, he said, ‘It’s just enough to be complete;’
When he was rich, he said, ‘It’s just enough to be beautiful.'”
『9』When Confucius went to Wei, Ran You served as his attendant. Confucius said, “There are many people in the country!” Ran You asked, “Since there are many people, what more is needed?” Confucius replied,
“Enrich them.” Ran You asked, “Since they are rich, what more is needed?” Confucius replied, “Educate them.”
『10』Confucius said: “If someone would employ me, I could accomplish great things in a month, and achieve results in three years.”
『11』The Master said: ‘If a virtuous person governs a state for a hundred years, he can also eliminate cruelty and killing.’ How true these words are!
Confucius said: “If there were a true king, it would take generations for him to become benevolent.”
Confucius said, “If one can rectify oneself, what difficulty will there be in governing? If one cannot rectify oneself, how can one rectify others?” (13)
『14』When Ran Zi left the court, Confucius said, “Why was he so late?” Ran Zi replied, “There was a political matter.” Confucius said, “That’s right! If there is
a political matter, even if he doesn’t rely on me, I will still be involved in hearing about it!”
『15』 Duke Ding asked, “Is it possible for a single word to bring prosperity to a state?” Confucius replied, “Words cannot be so easily changed
! People say, ‘It is difficult to be a ruler, and it is not easy to be a minister.’ If one truly understands the difficulty of being a ruler, wouldn’t it be almost possible for a single word to bring prosperity to a state?”
Duke Ding asked, “Is it possible for a single word to destroy a state?” Confucius replied, “Words cannot be so easily changed! People say, ‘I find
no joy in
being a ruler, for no one will disagree with his words.’ If his words are good and no one disagrees, isn’t that good? If his words are bad and no one disagrees,
wouldn’t it be almost possible for a single word to destroy a state?”
『16』Lord Ye asked about governance. Confucius said: “Those nearby will be pleased, and those far away will come.”
『17』 When Zixia was serving as the magistrate of Jufu, he asked Confucius about governance. Confucius said: “Do not be impatient; do not be greedy for small gains. If you are impatient, you will not achieve your goal; if you are greedy for small gains
, you will not accomplish great things.”
『18』The Duke of Ye said to Confucius, “In my village there is a man of upright character: when his father stole a sheep, the son testified against him.” Confucius said, “
The upright men in my village are different from this: when a father conceals the wrongdoing of his son, and a son conceals the wrongdoing of his father, uprightness lies therein.”
『19』Fan Chi asked about benevolence. Confucius said: “Be respectful in your conduct, diligent in your duties, and loyal to others; even among barbarians, these virtues should not be abandoned.”
『20』 Zigong asked, “What kind of person can be called a gentleman?” Confucius replied, “One who acts with a sense of shame; who, when sent on missions to the four quarters, does not disgrace
his lord’s commands; such a person can be called a gentleman.” Zigong asked, “May I ask about the next best?” Confucius replied, “One who is praised for filial piety by his clan and for brotherly love by his neighbors.
” Zigong asked, “May I ask about the next best?” Confucius replied, “One who is trustworthy in word and resolute in deed; such a person is a petty man! Yet he can still be considered next
best.
” Zigong asked, “What about those who are in government today?” Confucius replied, “Alas! They are petty men, not worth considering!”
『21』The Master said: “If one cannot find a person of moderate character to associate with, one must associate with the eccentric or the reserved. The eccentric are enterprising, while the reserved have things they will not do.”
『22』The Master said: “There is a saying among the people of the South: ‘A person without constancy cannot be a shaman or a doctor.’ How true! ‘If one’s virtue is not constant
, one will suffer shame.'”The Master said: “Then I will simply not divine for him.”
Confucius said: “The superior man seeks harmony but not uniformity; the inferior man seeks uniformity but not harmony.”
『24』 Zigong asked, “What if everyone in the village likes him?” Confucius said, “That’s not necessarily good.” “
What if everyone in the village dislikes him?” Confucius said, “That’s not necessarily good either. It’s better if the good people in the village like him and the bad people dislike him.”
『25』The Master said: “A gentleman is easy to serve but difficult to please. If
you try to please him without following the proper way, he will not be pleased. When he employs people, he assesses them according to their abilities. A petty person is difficult to serve but easy to please. Even if you try to please him without following the proper way, he will be pleased. When he employs people, he demands perfection from them.”
Confucius said: “A gentleman is composed and not arrogant; a petty person is arrogant and not composed.”
Confucius said: “Being firm, resolute, and reserved are close to being benevolent.”
『28』 Zilu asked, “What kind of person can be called a ‘gentleman’?” Confucius said, “A person who is earnest and attentive,
and cheerful and easygoing, can be called a ‘gentleman’. He is earnest with his friends and cheerful with his brothers.”
Confucius said, “If a good man teaches the people for seven years, they will be ready to fight.”
Confucius said: “To fight without teaching the people is to abandon them.”
*lunyu.014
Constitutional Questions, Chapter Fourteen
『1』 Xian asked about “shame”. Confucius said: “When the state is well-governed, it is shameful; when the state is poorly governed, it is shameful.” “If one
does not indulge in conquest, aggression, resentment, and desire, can one be considered ‘benevolent’?” Confucius said: “That is difficult, but as for benevolence, I do not know.”
Confucius said: “A scholar who cherishes his home is not worthy of being called a scholar!”
Confucius said: “When the state is well-governed, speak and act with caution; when the state is poorly governed, act with caution and speak humbly.”
Confucius said: “A virtuous person will surely have words to say; a person who has words to say is not necessarily virtuous. A benevolent person will surely be courageous; a courageous person is not necessarily
benevolent.”
[5] Nangong Shi asked Confucius, “Yi was skilled in archery, and Yu was skilled in boatmanship, yet neither of them died a natural death. Yu and Ji personally cultivated the land
and yet they ruled the world.” Confucius did not answer. After Nangong Shi left, Confucius said, “What a gentleman he was! How virtuous he was!”
Confucius said: “Are there gentlemen who are not benevolent? There has never been a petty man who is benevolent!”
Confucius said: “If you love someone, can you not make them work for you? If you are loyal to someone, can you not teach them?”
[8] Confucius said: “The draft of the mandate was prepared by Bi Chen, discussed by Shi Shu, revised by Xingren Ziyu, and polished by Dongli Zichan
.”
『9』Someone asked about “Zichan”. Confucius said, “He is a benevolent man.” Someone asked about “Zixi”. Confucius said, “That man! That man!” Someone asked about ”
Guan Zhong”. Confucius said, “He is a man who seized three hundred fiefs from the Bo family, yet he ate coarse food and lived to a ripe old age without complaint.”
Confucius said: “It is difficult to be poor without resentment; it is easy to be rich without arrogance.”
Confucius said, “Meng Gongchuo would be excellent as an elder statesman in Zhao and Wei, but he is not suitable to be a high official in Teng and Xue.”
『12』 Zilu asked about “becoming a complete person.” Confucius said, “If one possesses the wisdom of Zang Wuzhong, the lack of desire of Gongchuo, the courage of Bian Zhuangzi, and
the skills of Ran Qiu, and is cultivated with rites and music; one can also be considered a complete person!” He said, “What is necessarily required of a complete person today? Seeing profit
, one should think of righteousness; seeing danger, one should be willing to risk one’s life; and after a long time, one should not forget the words one has spoken throughout one’s life; one can also be considered a complete person!”
『13』The Master asked Gongming Jia about Gongshu Wenzi, saying, “Is it true that the Master neither speaks, nor laughs, nor takes?” Gongming
Jia replied, “You have mistakenly told him! The Master speaks only when the time is right, and people do not tire of his words; he laughs only when he is happy, and people do not tire of his laughter; he
takes only what is righteous, and people do not tire of his taking.” The Master said, “Is that so? Is it really so?”
『14』The Master said: “Zang Wuzhong sought to become the heir of Lu because of his defenses. Although he said he did not want it, I do not believe him.”
Confucius said: “Duke Wen of Jin was cunning but not upright; Duke Huan of Qi was upright but not cunning.”
『16』 Zilu said, “Duke Huan killed Prince Jiu, and Shao Hu died for him, but Guan Zhong did not die.” Zilu said, “Was that not benevolent?” Confucius
said, “Duke Huan united the feudal lords nine times without using military force; this was due to Guan Zhong’s efforts. How benevolent he was! How benevolent he was!”
『17』 Zigong said, “Was Guan Zhong not a benevolent man? Duke Huan killed Prince Jiu, yet Guan Zhong did not die, and instead became his minister.” Confucius said, ”
Guan Zhong served Duke Huan, who became the hegemon among the feudal lords and brought order to the world. The people still benefit from his deeds to this day. Without Guan Zhong, we would be wearing our robes with the left side fastened
! How could we compare to a common man or woman who, for the sake of loyalty, hangs themselves in a ditch, and no one even knows?”
『18』Gongshu Wenzi’s minister U+50CE, was promoted to the rank of duke along with Wenzi. When Confucius heard of this, he said, “He is now worthy of the title ‘Wen’
!”
『19』When Confucius spoke of the lack of virtue in Duke Ling of Wei, Kangzi said, “If that is the case, how could he not perish?” Confucius replied, “Zhongshu
Yu managed the guests, Zhu managed the ancestral temple, and Wangsun Jia managed the military; if that is the case, how could he not perish?”
Confucius said, “If one speaks without shame, then it is difficult to do it!” (20)
『21』Chen Chengzi murdered Duke Jian. Confucius bathed and went to court, reporting to Duke Ai, “Chen Heng has murdered his ruler; please punish him.”
The Duke said, “Inform the three gentlemen.” Confucius said, “As I follow the high officials, I dare not fail to inform them! The Duke said, ‘Inform the three gentlemen
!'” He informed the three gentlemen, but they refused. Confucius said, “As I follow the high officials, I dare not fail to inform them!”
『22』 Zilu asked about “serving one’s lord”. Confucius said: “Do not deceive him, but offend him.”
Confucius said: “The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what is wrong.”
Confucius said: “Ancient scholars studied for themselves; modern scholars study for others.”
『25』 Qu Boyu sent a messenger to Confucius. Confucius sat with him and asked, “What is the Master doing here?” The messenger replied, ”
The Master wishes to reduce his faults but has not yet succeeded.” The messenger left. Confucius said, “What a messenger! What a messenger!”
Confucius said: “If you are not in a position of authority, do not concern yourself with its affairs.”
『26』Zengzi said: “A gentleman’s thoughts do not go beyond his position.”
Confucius said: “A gentleman is ashamed of his words exceeding his actions.”
『28』The Master said: “There are three principles of the superior man, which I am incapable of: the benevolent are free from worry; the wise are free from confusion; the courageous are free from fear.” Zigong
said: “The Master is describing himself!”
『29』 Zigong was discussing matters with others. Confucius said, “Zigong, are you not virtuous? As for me, I am too busy to do so!”
Confucius said: “I am not worried about others not knowing me; I am worried about my own lack of ability.”
『31』The Master said: “Not to oppose deceit, not to anticipate distrust. Is this not the way of the wise, who are those who are the first to perceive it?”
『32』Wei Shengmu said to Confucius, “Why are you so restless? Are you perhaps being a flatterer?” Confucius replied, “I dare not
be a flatterer, but I am simply stubborn.”
Confucius said: “A fine horse is judged not by its strength, but by its virtue.”
『34』Someone asked: “What do you think of repaying evil with kindness?” Confucius said: “Then what will you repay kindness with? Repay evil with justice, and repay kindness with kindness.
”
『35』The Master said, “No one understands me!” Zigong asked, “Why is it that no one understands you?” The Master replied, “I do not blame Heaven
, for Heaven blames men; I learn from the lower levels to reach the higher. Those who understand me are surely Heaven!”
『36』 Gongbo Liao U+612C Zilu was at Lisun’s place. Zifu Jingbo told him, “Master, you may indeed be confused by Gongbo Liao
, but I still have the power to make your case in the marketplace.” Confucius said, “Is the Way going to be practiced? It is fate; is the Way going to be abandoned? It is fate.
What can Gongbo Liao do against fate?”
『37』The Master said: “The virtuous man avoids the world; the next best avoids the land; the next best avoids women; and the next best avoids words.” The Master said: “There
are seven such men!”
『38』 Zilu stayed overnight at Shimen. The gatekeeper asked, “Where are you from?” Zilu replied, “From the house of Confucius.” The gatekeeper said, “Is he
someone who knows it’s impossible yet still does it?”
『39』The Master was playing the chime stones in Wei. A man carrying a basket passed by the gate of the Confucius family and said, “How thoughtful you are, playing the chime stones!” Then he said
, “How vulgar! No one understands you, that’s enough! ‘If it’s deep, wade across; if it’s shallow, lift the lid.'” The Master
said, “How resolute! The end is difficult!”
『40』 Zizhang asked, “The Book of Documents says, ‘Emperor Gaozong did not speak for three years during the mourning period.’ What does this mean?” Confucius replied, “Why only Emperor Gaozong?
All the ancients did this. When the ruler died, all the officials gathered around him and listened to the minister for three years.”
Confucius said, “If those in power love propriety, then the people will be easy to govern.” (41)
『42』 Zilu asked about the “gentleman.” Confucius said, “Cultivate oneself with reverence.” Zilu asked, “Is that all?
” Confucius said, “Cultivate oneself to bring peace to others.” Zilu asked again, “Is that all?” Confucius said, “Cultivate oneself
to bring peace to all people. Even Yao and Shun would have found it difficult to cultivate oneself to bring peace to all people.”
『43』Yuan Rang Yi Si. Confucius said: “If a man is not respectful to his elders when he is young, has nothing to show for himself when he is older, and does not die when he is old, he is a thief.”
He struck the man’s shin with his staff.
『44』 When the young boy from Que Dang was about to receive an order, someone asked him, “Is he seeking personal gain?” Confucius replied, “I saw him in his position and
walking alongside his teacher; he is not seeking personal gain, but rather desires quick success.”
*lunyu.015
Duke Ling of Wei, Chapter Fifteen
『1』Duke Ling of Wei asked Confucius about matters of state. Confucius replied, “I have heard of matters concerning sacrificial vessels and offerings, but I have not
studied matters of military affairs.” The next day he set out.
『2』In Chen, they ran out of food. The followers fell ill and none could rise. Zilu, displeased, asked, “Does even a gentleman experience poverty?” Confucius replied, “A gentleman
endures poverty; a petty person, however, becomes reckless.”
『3』The Master said, “Ci, do you think I am someone who has learned a lot and remembered it?” He replied, “Yes, isn’t that right?” The Master said, ”
No! I have one principle that runs through all of them.”
Confucius said, “You, those who truly understand virtue are few!”
Confucius said: “The one who governed by non-action was none other than Shun! What did he do? He simply sat respectfully facing south.”
『6』 Zizhang asked about “conduct”. Confucius said: “If one speaks with loyalty and trustworthiness and acts with sincerity and respect, one can travel even to barbarian lands; if one’s words are not loyal and trustworthy and one’s actions are
not
sincere and respectful, how can one travel even to one’s own village? When standing, one should see that one is in attendance before one’s elders; when riding in a carriage, one should see that one’s carriage is leaning against the crossbar; only then can one travel!
” Zizhang wrote this down on his sash.
Confucius said: “How upright was Shi Yu! When the state was well-governed, he was as swift as an arrow; when the state was well-governed, he was as swift as an arrow. How virtuous was Qu Boyu! When the state was well-governed
, he served; when the state was poorly governed, he could keep his integrity to himself.”
Confucius said: “To speak with someone who can be spoken to is to lose a person; to speak with someone who cannot be spoken to is to waste words. A wise person neither
loses a person nor wastes words.”
Confucius said: “A man of noble character and a man of benevolence will not seek to live at the expense of benevolence, but will be willing to sacrifice his life to achieve benevolence.”
『10』 Zigong asked about “practicing benevolence”. Confucius said: “A craftsman who wants to do his work well must first sharpen his tools. When living in a state, serve the virtuous
officials and befriend the benevolent scholars.”
『11』Yan Yuan asked about “governing a state”. Confucius said: “Follow the calendar of the Xia dynasty, ride in the carriages of the Yin dynasty, wear the ceremonial caps of the Zhou dynasty. When there is music, perform the Shao dance.
Banish the music of Zheng, and keep away from flatterers; the music of Zheng is licentious, and flatterers are dangerous.”
Confucius said: “A man who has no foresight will surely have immediate worries.”
Confucius said, “Alas! I have never seen anyone who loves virtue as much as he loves beauty!”
Confucius said, “Is Zang Wenzhong a usurper? He knew of Liu Xiahui’s virtue, yet he did not appoint him to the position.”
Confucius said, “If you are strict with yourself and lenient with others, you will avoid resentment.”
Confucius said, “If someone does not say, ‘What should I do? What should I do?’ then I have no way to help them.”
Confucius said: “To spend the whole day in a group, without discussing righteousness, and to be fond of petty cleverness; how difficult it is to find such a person!”
Confucius said: “The superior man takes righteousness as his essence, practices it with propriety, expresses it with humility, and perfects it with trustworthiness; such is the superior man!”
Confucius said: “A gentleman is concerned about his own lack of ability, not about others not recognizing him.”
Confucius said: “A gentleman is distressed if his name is not mentioned after his death.”
Confucius said: “The superior man seeks the truth within himself; the inferior man seeks it within others.”
Confucius said: “A gentleman is dignified but not contentious, sociable but not partisan.”
Confucius said: “A gentleman does not promote a person based on his words, nor does he reject words because of the person who said them.”
『24』 Zigong asked, “Is there one word that can guide one’s conduct throughout life?” Confucius replied, “Anger!
Do not do to others what you would not have them do to you.”
『25』The Master said: “As for me, who will praise or criticize me? If someone is praised, it is because they have been tested. This is the reason why the people of the Three
Dynasties followed the right path.”
Confucius said, “I still remember the missing records in the historical texts; those who had horses lent them to others to ride; but now those are gone!”
Confucius said: “Clever words corrupt virtue. A lack of forbearance in small matters will ruin great plans.”
Confucius said: “If everyone hates someone, you must investigate it carefully; if everyone likes someone, you must investigate it carefully.”
『29』Confucius said: “People can spread the Tao, but it is not the Tao that spreads people.”
Confucius said: “To err and not to correct it, that is truly to err!” (30)
Confucius said, “I have tried to think all day without eating and all night without sleeping, but it was of no use. It is better to learn.”
『32』The Master said: “The superior man seeks the Way, not food; even in farming, there is the risk of hunger; even in learning, there is the risk of reward. The superior man
worries about food, not poverty.”
Confucius said: “If one has the knowledge to attain something, but lacks the benevolence to maintain it, even if one gains it, one will surely lose it. If one has the knowledge to attain something, and the benevolence to maintain it, but does not
express it with solemnity and tears, then the people will not respect it. If one has the knowledge to attain something, and the benevolence to maintain it, but expresses it with solemnity and tears, but does not act according to propriety, then it is not good.”
Confucius said: “A gentleman cannot be understood in small matters, but can be entrusted with great responsibilities; a petty person cannot be entrusted with great responsibilities, but can be understood in small matters.”
Confucius said, “The people value benevolence more than water or fire. I have seen people die from treading on water or fire, but I have never seen
anyone die from treading on benevolence.”
Confucius said, “When it comes to benevolence, one should not yield even to one’s teacher.” (36)
Confucius said: “A gentleman is upright but not cunning.”
Confucius said, “When serving your lord, be respectful of your duties before you eat.”
Confucius said, “In education, there should be no discrimination.” (39)
Confucius said: “Those who follow different paths cannot make plans together.”
『41』The Master said: “Words should simply convey meaning!”
『42』 Shi Mian visited. Upon reaching the steps, Confucius said, “These are the steps!” Upon reaching the mat, Confucius said, “These are the mats!” After they were all seated,
Confucius told him, “I am here! I am here!” After Shi Mian left, Zi Zhang asked, “Is this the way to speak with a teacher?” Confucius replied, “Yes,
this is indeed the way to treat a teacher.”
*lunyu.016
Li Shi, Sixteenth
『1』The Li family is about to attack Zhuanyu. Ran You and Li Lu met with Confucius and said, “The Li family is about to attack Zhuanyu.” Confucius said, ”
Qiu, is this not a mistake? Zhuanyu was once the lord of Dongmeng by the former kings, and it is within the territory of the state; it is a minister of the state
, why attack it?” Ran You said, “Master, you want it; we two ministers do not want it.” Confucius said, “Qiu!
Zhou Ren said, ‘Those who have the strength should take their place, those who cannot should stop.’ If one does not support those in danger, or help those who are about to fall, then what use is that minister?
Moreover, your words are wrong! If a tiger or rhinoceros escapes from its cage, or a tortoise or jade is destroyed in its box, whose fault is it?” Ran You said, “Now, Zhuanyu,
indeed… ” “But this is close to being wasteful; if we don’t take it now, it will surely cause worry for our descendants.” Confucius said, “Qiu! A gentleman detests those who say ‘I want it’
but then find excuses to do so. I have heard that those who govern a state or a family are not worried about scarcity but about inequality, not about poverty but about instability; for with equality there is no poverty
, with harmony there is no scarcity,
and with stability there is no upheaval. Therefore, if distant people do not submit, then cultivate virtue to attract them. Once they have come, then pacify them. Now, You and Qiu are assisting the Master
, yet distant people do not submit and cannot come, the state is falling apart and cannot be defended, and they are plotting to wage war within the state. I fear that the worries
of the Li family
are not in Zhuanyu, but within their own walls!”
Confucius said: “When the world is governed by the Way, rites, music, and military expeditions shall be conducted by the Son of Heaven; when the world is not governed by the Way, rites, music, and military expeditions
shall be conducted by the feudal lords. If they are conducted by the feudal lords, their authority will rarely be lost for ten generations; if they are conducted by the high officials, their authority will rarely be lost for five generations; if the ministers hold the reins of power, their authority
will rarely be lost for three generations. When the world is governed by the Way, the government is not in the hands of the high officials; when the world is governed by the Way, the common people will not discuss matters.”
[3] Confucius said: “The emoluments have been gone from the ducal house for five generations; the government has been in the hands of the high officials for four generations; therefore, the descendants of the Three Huan families have become weak
.”
Confucius said: “There are three kinds of beneficial friends and three kinds of harmful friends. Friends who are upright, sincere, and knowledgeable are beneficial. Friends who are flattering, obsequious
, and glib are harmful.”
Confucius said: “There are three kinds of beneficial pleasures and three kinds of harmful pleasures. The pleasure of practicing propriety and music, the pleasure of praising the good in others, and the pleasure of having many virtuous friends are beneficial
. The pleasure of pride, the pleasure of unrestrained wandering, and the pleasure of feasting are harmful.”
Confucius said: “There are three faults in serving a gentleman: speaking before being asked to speak is called ‘rashness’; not speaking when asked to speak
is called ‘concealment’; and speaking without observing his expression is called ‘blindness’.”
Confucius said: “A gentleman has three things to be wary of. When he is young, his blood and energy are not yet settled, so he should be wary of lust. When he is strong, his blood and energy are vigorous
, so he should be wary of fighting. When he is old, his blood and energy have declined, so he should be wary of greed.”
Confucius said: “A gentleman has three things to fear: the mandate of Heaven, great men, and the words of sages. A petty man does not know the mandate of Heaven and therefore does not
fear it; he is familiar with great men and insults the words of sages.”
Confucius said: “Those who are born with knowledge are the highest; those who learn through study are next; those who learn after being perplexed are next again.
Those who are perplexed but do not learn are the lowest of the people!”
『10』Confucius said: “A gentleman has nine things to consider: when looking, he considers clarity; when listening, he considers discernment; when displaying a countenance, he considers gentleness; when exchanging pleasantries, he considers respect; when speaking, he considers loyalty; when acting,
he considers reverence; when in doubt, he considers asking; when angry, he considers the consequences; when seeing gain, he considers righteousness.”
Confucius said: “‘When you see good, act as if you cannot reach it; when you see evil, touch boiling water.’ I have seen such a person, and I have heard his words! ‘
To live in seclusion to pursue one’s ideals, and to practice righteousness to achieve one’s way.’ I have heard his words, but I have not seen such a person!”
『12』“Duke Jing of Qi had a thousand chariots, yet on the day of his death, the people had no praise for him; Boyi and Shuqi starved at the foot of Shouyang Mountain, yet
the people still praise them to this day. Is this not what it means?”
『13』 Chen Kang asked Boyu, “Have you heard anything unusual?” Boyu replied, “No. Once, I was standing alone when Li hurried past in
the courtyard. I asked, ‘Have you studied the Book of Poetry?’ I replied, ‘No.’ ‘If you don’t study the Book of Poetry, you won’t know how to speak properly!’ Li withdrew and studied the Book of Poetry. Another day
, I was standing alone again when Li hurried past in the courtyard. I asked, ‘Have you studied the Book of Rites?’ I replied, ‘No.’ ‘If you don’t study the Book of Rites, you won’t know how to conduct yourself properly!’
Li withdrew and studied the Book of Rites. I heard these two things.” Chen Kang withdrew and said happily, “I asked one question and got three answers: I heard about the Book of Poetry, I heard about the Book of Rites, and I
also heard that a gentleman keeps his son at a distance.”
『14』The wife of a lord of a state is called “Madam” by the lord; the wife refers to herself as “Little Child”;
the people of the state call her “Lord’s Wife”; she is called “My Little Lord” by people from other states; people from other states also call her “Lord’s Wife”.
*lunyu.017
Yang Huo No. 17
『1』Yang Huo wanted to see Confucius, but Confucius refused to see him. Yang Huo then sent Confucius a piglet.
Confucius waited until Yang Huo was away and went to pay his respects. They met on the road. Yang Huo said to Confucius, “Come! Let me tell you something.” He said, “Is it benevolent to possess one’s treasures yet neglect one’s country?” Confucius replied, “No.
”
“Is it wise to be eager to act yet frequently miss the opportune time?” Confucius replied, “No.” “The days and months pass by! Time waits for no one!” Confucius
said, “Yes, I will take office!”
『2』The Master said: “By nature, men are similar; by practice, they become far apart.” The Master said: “Only the wisest and the most foolish cannot be changed.”
『3』When Confucius was in Wucheng, he heard the sound of stringed instruments and singing. Confucius smiled and said, “Why use an ox-cleaver to kill a chicken?” Ziyou replied,
“In the past, I heard you say, ‘A gentleman who studies the Way loves people; a petty person who studies the Way is easy to manage.'” Confucius said, ”
My disciples! What Yan said is correct; the previous statement was just a joke!”
『4』 When Gongshan Furao rebelled in Fei, he summoned Confucius, who wanted to go. Zilu was displeased, saying, “It’s already too late, why must the people of Gongshan
go?” Confucius said, “If I am not summoned, why would I run away? If someone were to employ me, I would surely restore the Eastern Zhou!”
『5』 Zizhang asked Confucius about “benevolence”. Confucius said: “To be able to practice these five things throughout the world is to be benevolent.” “May I ask what they are?
” He said: “Respect, generosity, trustworthiness, diligence, and kindness: Respect prevents insult; generosity gains the support of the people; trustworthiness earns people’s trust; diligence brings success; and kindness
is sufficient to win people over.”
6. When the Buddha summoned Confucius, Confucius wished to go. Zilu said, “I once heard the Master say, ‘A gentleman
does not enter into the company of those who personally do evil.’ The Buddha has rebelled in Zhongmou. What will you do if you go?” Confucius said, “Indeed, there is
such a saying.
Is it not said to be ‘firm’? Yet it is not worn away by grinding; is it not said to be ‘white’? Yet it is not stained black by mud. Am I a gourd? How can
I not eat it?”
7. Confucius said, “You, have you heard of the six sayings and their six detrimental effects?” He replied, “No.” “Stay! Let me tell you: To love benevolence but not learning leads to foolishness; to love knowledge but not learning leads
to dissipation; to love trustworthiness but not learning leads to treachery; to love uprightness but not learning leads to harshness; to love courage but not learning leads to disorder; to love strength but not learning leads to madness.”
[8] The Master said, “My young friends! Why don’t you study the Book of Poetry? The Book of Poetry can inspire, can be observed, can be used for social interaction, and can express grievances; it teaches us to serve
our fathers in the near term and our rulers in the long term; it also teaches us the names of birds, beasts, grasses, and trees.” The Master said to Boyu, “Have you studied the Zhou Nan and Shao Nan poems
? If a person doesn’t study the Zhou Nan and Shao Nan poems, it’s like standing facing a wall.”
Confucius said: “Ritual! Ritual! Is it merely jade and silk? Music! Music! Is it simply bells and drums?”
『10』The Master said: “A person who is outwardly stern but inwardly weak is like a petty thief who breaks into houses!”
Confucius said: “A hypocrite is a thief of virtue!”
Confucius said: “To repeat what one has heard on the road is to abandon virtue!”
Confucius said, “This foolish man! Can he be trusted to serve a ruler? Before he obtains something, he worries about obtaining it; after he obtains it, he worries about losing it
. If he is only worried about losing it, he will do anything!”
Confucius said: “In ancient times, the people had three faults, but perhaps these faults have disappeared now. The madness of the ancients was unrestrained, but the madness of today is dissolute;
the pride of the ancients was honest, but the pride of today is resentful and violent; the foolishness of the ancients was straightforward, but the foolishness of today is merely deceitful.”
Confucius said: “Speaking in a flattering manner and having a pleasing countenance are signs of true benevolence.”
Confucius said: “I hate that purple usurps the place of vermilion. I hate that the music of Zheng disrupts the elegance of music. I hate that those with glib tongues bring ruin to states and families.”
『17』The Master said, “I wish to remain silent!” Zigong said, “If you do not speak, what will we, your disciples, have to pass on?” The Master said, “
Does Heaven speak? Yet the four seasons proceed in their course, and all things are born; does Heaven speak?”
『18』Ru Bei wanted to see Confucius, but Confucius declined, saying he was ill. As he was about to leave, Ru Bei took up his zither and sang a song so that Ru Bei could hear him.
『19』 Zai Wo asked, “The three-year mourning period is too long! If a gentleman observes rites for three years, the rites will surely decay; if he refrains from music for three years, music
will surely collapse. The old music is gone, and the new music has risen; the fire-making process has been changed, the mourning period should end.” Confucius
said, “Would you be at peace eating rice and wearing brocade?” Zai Wo replied, “Yes!” Confucius
said, “If you are at peace, then do it! A gentleman in mourning finds no pleasure in delicious food, no joy in music, and no comfort in his dwelling, therefore he does not do it. Now, if you are at peace, then do it!” Zai Wo left. Confucius said, “I am unkind
! A child is weaned from its parents’ arms after three years. The three-year mourning period is the universal mourning period; do I, Zai Wo, have three years of
love for my parents?”
Confucius said: “It is difficult to find someone who, after eating his fill all day long, does not use his mind for anything! Are there not those who play games of chance? Even playing those games is better than doing nothing!
”
『21』 Zilu asked, “Does a gentleman value courage?” Confucius replied, “A gentleman considers righteousness to be paramount. A gentleman with courage but without righteousness will cause chaos
; a petty person with courage but without righteousness will become a thief.”
『22』 Zigong asked, “Does a gentleman also have things he dislikes?” Confucius replied, “Yes, he dislikes those who speak ill of others, those who, being in a lowly position
, slander their superiors, those who are brave but lack manners, and those who are decisive but inflexible.” Zigong asked, “Do I also have things I dislike?” Confucius replied, “I dislike
those who use clever tricks to appear wise, those who do not use skill to appear brave, and those who use criticism to appear upright.”
Confucius said: “Only women and petty men are difficult to deal with! If you get too close to them, they will not listen; if you keep them at a distance, they will resent you.”
Confucius said, “If someone is disliked at the age of forty, his end is near.” (24)
*lunyu.018
Wei Zi Chapter 18
[1] Wei Zi left; Ji Zi became a slave; Bi Gan remonstrated and died. Confucius said, “The Yin dynasty had three benevolent men!”
[2] Liu Xiahui served as a judge, but was dismissed three times. Someone asked, “Why don’t you leave?” He replied, “If I serve with integrity, where can I go
without being dismissed three times? If I serve with dishonest principles, why should I leave my homeland?”
『3』 When Duke Jing of Qi treated Confucius, he said, “If it is the Li family, I cannot employ them. Treat them as Li and Meng.” He added, “
I am old and cannot use them.” Confucius then departed.
『4』The people of Qi returned female musicians, and Li Huanzi accepted them. He did not attend court for three days, and Confucius left.
[5] Jie Yu, the madman of Chu, sang as he passed Confucius, saying: “Phoenix! How your virtue has declined! The past cannot be changed, but the future can still be pursued
. Enough! Enough! Those who govern today are in peril!” Confucius got down and wanted to speak with him. Jie Yu hurried away and avoided him, so Confucius could not speak with him.
『6』 Changju and Jieni were plowing together. Confucius passed by and sent Zilu to ask them for directions. Changju asked, “Who is the one holding the reins?” Zilu replied
, “It is Confucius.” Changju asked, “Is it Confucius of Lu?” Zilu replied, “Yes.” Changju said, “He knows the ford!”
He then asked Jieni, who asked, “Who are you?” Zilu replied, “I am Zhong You.” Jieni asked, “Are you a disciple of Confucius of Lu?” Zilu replied
, “Yes.” Jieni said, “The world is in chaos, and who can change it? Rather than following those who avoid people,
wouldn’t it be better to follow those who avoid the world?” They continued plowing without stopping. Zilu went and told Confucius, who sighed and said, “Birds and beasts cannot be grouped with
! If I am not with these people, with whom can I be with? If the world were governed by the Way, I would not change my ways.”
『7』 Zilu followed him and encountered an old man carrying a staff. Zilu asked, “Have you seen the Master?” The old man replied,
“He who does not diligently observe the four rites and cannot distinguish the five principles, who is he to be called a Master!” He then planted his staff and began weeding. Zilu stood respectfully with his hands clasped. The old man invited Zilu to stay the night,
killed a chicken
, and cooked millet for him. Zilu also saw the old man’s two sons. The next day, Zilu went to inform the Master. The Master said, “He is a recluse.” He sent Zilu back to see the old man
. When Zilu arrived, the old man had already left. Zilu said, “A man who does not serve is without righteousness. The proper order between elders and juniors cannot be abandoned; how can the duty between ruler and subject be
abandoned? To desire personal purity while disrupting the great principles of human relations. A gentleman serves in office to uphold righteousness. I already know that the Way is not being practiced!”
『8』 Recluses: Bo Yi, Shu Qi, Yu Zhong, Yi Yi, Zhu Zhang, Liu Xia Hui, Shao Lian. Confucius said: ”
Bo Yi and Shu Qi did not lower their aspirations, nor disgrace themselves.” He said of Liu Xia Hui and Shao Lian: “They lowered their aspirations and disgraced themselves; their words were in accordance with morality, and their actions
were in accordance with reason—that was all!” He said of Yu Zhong and Yi Yi: “They lived in seclusion and spoke freely, maintaining purity of body and mind, and abandoning worldly power.” “I am different from them;
I have no fixed
rules.”
『9』Master Zhi went to Qi; Second Fan Gan went to Chu; Third Fan Liao went to Cai; Fourth Fan Que went to Qin; Drummer Fang Shu went to the Yellow River; Bo
Tao Wu went to Wen Han; Junior Master Yang struck the chime Xiang and went to the sea.
『10』The Duke of Zhou said to the Duke of Lu: “A gentleman does not abandon his relatives, nor does he allow his ministers to resent his neglect. He does not
abandon old friends unless there is a major reason. He does not demand perfection from any one person.”
『11』There were eight men in Zhou: Boda, Boshi, Zhongtu, Zhonghu, Shuye, Shuxia, Lisui, and LiU+9A27.
*lunyu.019
Zi Zhang Chapter Nineteen
『1』Zi Zhang said: “A gentleman should risk his life when facing danger, think of righteousness when facing gain, think of reverence when offering sacrifices, and think of sorrow when mourning. That is enough.”
『2』Zi Zhang said: “If one’s virtue is not broadened and one’s faith in the Way is not firm, how can one be considered to exist? How can one be considered to perish?”
『3』A disciple of Zixia asked Zizhang about “friendship.” Zizhang asked, “What did Zixia say?” The disciple replied, “Zixia said,
‘Give to those who are acceptable, and refuse those who are not.'” Zizhang said, “This is different from what I have heard: ‘A gentleman respects the virtuous and is tolerant of the masses, praises the
good and is compassionate towards the incapable.’ If I were a great sage, what person would I not tolerate? If I were not virtuous, people would refuse me; how could I refuse
them then?
”
『4』 Zixia said: “Even minor paths have their merits; but pursuing them too far may lead to stagnation, which is why a wise man does not engage in them.”
『5』 Zixia said: “To learn something new every day and not forget what one has learned every month, this can be called true learning!”
『6』 Zixia said: “Study extensively and be resolute in your will; inquire earnestly and reflect closely; therein lies benevolence.”
『7』 Zixia said: “The artisans reside in their workshops to accomplish their tasks; the gentleman studies to attain the Way.”
『8』 Zixia said: “The faults of petty people are always covered up.”
『9』 Zixia said: “A gentleman has three transformations: when you look at him, he is dignified; when you approach him, he is gentle; when you listen to his words, he is stern.”
『10』 Zixia said: “A gentleman will only exert his influence on the people after he has gained their trust; if they do not trust him, they will think he is harming them. He will only offer advice after he has gained their trust
;
if they do not trust him, they will think he is slandering them.”
Zixia said, “Great virtue does not transgress the boundaries; minor virtue may veer in or out of bounds.”
Ziyou said, “The disciples of Zixia, the young ones, are only good at sweeping, responding, and behaving properly. That’s all. But that’s superficial;
they lack the fundamentals. What should be done?” Zixia, upon hearing this, said, “Alas! Ziyou has gone too far! What should be transmitted first in the Way of the Gentleman
?
What should be taught last? It’s like plants and trees, each distinct in its own way. How can the Way of the Gentleman be falsely claimed?
Only the sage has a beginning and an end!”
Zixia said, “If one excels in officialdom, then one should pursue further studies; if one excels in studies, then one should pursue officialdom.”
Ziyou said, “Mourning should end when the grief is deep.”
Ziyou said, “My friend Zhang is capable, but he lacks benevolence.”
Zengzi said, “How dignified Zhang is! It is difficult to associate him with benevolence.”
Zengzi said, “I heard the Master say, ‘No one can bring this upon themselves without the loss of a parent.'”
Zengzi said, “I heard from the Master that Meng Zhuangzi’s filial piety is something that is possible in other respects,
but his refusal to change his father’s subject and government policies is truly remarkable.”
Meng appointed Yang Fu as judge and asked Zengzi for advice. Zengzi said, “If the ruler loses his way, the people will be scattered for a long time!
If you understand their situation, then show compassion and pity, but do not rejoice.”
Zigong said, “The evil of King Zhou was not as extreme as described above. Therefore, a virtuous person abhors being in a lowly position, for all the evils of the world are attributed to him
.”
Zigong said, “The mistakes of a gentleman are like eclipses of the sun and moon. When he makes a mistake, everyone sees it; when he corrects it, everyone looks up to
him.”
Wei Gongsun Chao asked Zigong, “Where did Confucius learn his teachings?” Zigong replied, “The Way of King Wen and King Wu has not fallen to the ground; it
resides within people.
The wise recognize its greater aspects, while the less wise recognize its lesser aspects. Everyone possesses the Way of King Wen and King Wu. What did the Master not learn from,
and what constant teacher did he have?”
Shusun Wushu said to the officials at court, “Zigong is more virtuous than Confucius.” Zifu Jingbo told Zigong this.
Zigong said, “To use a palace wall as an analogy: my wall is only shoulder-high, allowing me to glimpse the beauty of the houses; but the Master’s wall is several fathoms high, and without finding
the gate, one cannot enter, nor see the magnificence of the ancestral temple and the wealth of the officials. Those who find the gate are few indeed! The Master’s words…”
Isn’t that fitting?
Shusun Wushu slandered Confucius. Zigong said, “There’s no point in doing so! Confucius cannot be slandered. Other virtuous people are like
hills, which can be surpassed; but Confucius is like the sun and moon, which cannot be surpassed. Even if people want to cut themselves off from him,
what harm can it do to the sun and moon? It only shows their lack of self-awareness!”
Chen Ziqin said to Zigong, “You are being too respectful. Is Confucius more virtuous than you?” Zigong replied,
“A gentleman’s words can reveal his wisdom or his ignorance; therefore, one must be careful with one’s words! The Master’s attainments are unattainable,
just as the heavens cannot be climbed. The Master’s ability to govern a state is such that ‘when established, everything is established; when the Way is practiced, everything
is brought to order; when things are pacified, harmony is achieved. His life is glorious, and his death is mourned.’ How can one possibly reach his level?”
*lunyu.020
Yao said the twentieth
Yao said, “Alas! You, Shun! The mandate of Heaven rests upon you; hold fast to the middle way! If the four seas are in distress, Heaven’s blessings will end forever.
”
Shun then passed on the mandate to Yu. Yu said, “I, the humble Lü, dare to use the black bull, and dare to solemnly proclaim to the Holy Emperor:
Those who commit crimes will not be pardoned; the Emperor’s ministers will not conceal anything; the truth is in the Emperor’s heart! If I am guilty, the blame will not fall on the people; if the people are guilty,
the blame lies with me.” “The Zhou dynasty bestows great rewards, enriching the virtuous.” “Even close relatives are not as good as the benevolent;
if the people err, the blame lies with me alone. Carefully weigh the measures, scrutinize the laws, restore abandoned offices, and the policies of the four directions will be implemented.
Revive extinct states, continue interrupted lineages, and promote those who have been neglected; the people of the world will submit to you. What I value most in the people is: food, funerals, and sacrifices. Generosity
wins the hearts of the people;
trustworthiness earns their trust. Diligence brings success; impartiality brings joy.”
Zizhang asked Confucius, “What is the proper way to enter government service?” Confucius replied, “Respect the five virtues and reject the four vices.”
“Now you can enter politics.” Zizhang asked, “What are the five virtues?” Confucius replied, “A gentleman is benevolent without being wasteful;
he works hard without complaining; he desires without being greedy; he is composed without being arrogant; he is dignified without being fierce.” Zizhang asked, “What does ‘benevolent without being wasteful’ mean
?”
Confucius replied, “To benefit the people by doing what is beneficial for them—is this not benevolent without being wasteful? To choose what is worthwhile to do and do it—who would complain
?
To desire benevolence and attain it—why would one be greedy? A gentleman, regardless of the number of people or the size of the household, dares not be disrespectful—is this not composed without being arrogant
?
A gentleman straightens his clothes and hat, respects his gaze, and is dignified so that people look up to him and fear him—is this not dignified without being fierce?”
Zizhang asked, “What are the four evils?” Confucius replied, “To kill without teaching is called cruelty; to expect results without warning is called tyranny;
to delay issuing orders until the deadline is called treachery; and to be stingy in giving and receiving is called being an official.”
Confucius said, “Without understanding destiny, one cannot be a gentleman. Without understanding propriety, one cannot stand upright. Without understanding words, one cannot understand people
.”
author By Dr. You-Sheng Li
Share
