Shu Er

Confucius said: "Transmitting ancient wisdom without creating new doctrines, faithfully cherishing antiquity—in this, I privately compare myself to Lao Peng."

 

Confucius said: "Silently absorbing knowledge, studying without weariness, teaching without fatigue—how much of this have I truly achieved?"

 

Confucius said: "Not cultivating virtue, not deepening learning, hearing righteousness yet not pursuing it, failing to correct errors—these are my deepest worries."

 

When at leisure at home, Confucius dressed neatly and carried himself with gentle composure.

 

Confucius said: "How aged I have become! Long has it been since I last dreamed of the Duke of Zhou."

 

Confucius said: "Set your heart on the Dao (Way), ground yourself in virtue, rely on ren (humaneness), and dwell within the Six Arts: rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics."

 

Confucius said: "I have never denied instruction to anyone who presented even dried meat as a token of respect."

 

On teaching, Confucius said: "I do not enlighten students until they struggle deeply; I do not prompt them until they yearn to speak. If they cannot apply one to infer three, I do not repeat the lesson."

 

When dining near mourners, Confucius never ate his fill.

 

On days he attended funerals, Confucius refrained from singing.

 

To Yan Yuan, Confucius said: "If employed, act; if not, withdraw. Only you and I share this resolve!"

Zi Lu asked: "If leading an army, whom would you choose?"
Confucius replied: "Not one who fights tigers barehanded or crosses rivers recklessly. I seek the cautious, the strategic, and the accomplished."

 

Confucius said: "If wealth aligns with the Dao, I would pursue it even as a lowly driver. If not, I follow my own path."

 

Three things Confucius treated with caution: fasting rituals, warfare, and illness.

 

After hearing the Shao music in Qi, Confucius could not taste meat for months. He said: "I never imagined music could reach such heights!"

 

Ran You asked Zi Gong: "Will our Master aid the Duke of Wei?"Zi Gong entered and asked Confucius: "What of Bo Yi and Shu Qi?"
Confucius said: "Ancient worthies who sought ren and attained it—why would they harbor resentment?"
Zi Gong told Ran You: "The Master will not assist the Duke."

 

Confucius said: "Coarse food, cold water, a bent arm for a pillow—I find joy in these. Ill-gotten wealth is but drifting cloud to me."

 

Confucius said: "Grant me years to study the Yi Jing (Book of Changes) at fifty, and I might avoid great errors."

 

When reciting the Poems, Documents, or performing rites, Confucius used refined speech.

 

The Governor of She asked Zi Lu about Confucius.
Zi Lu remained silent. Confucius later said: "Why not say: He is so driven in study that he forgets to eat, so joyful that he forgets sorrow, unaware of aging?"

 

Confucius said: "I was not born with knowledge. I love antiquity and pursue wisdom diligently."

 

Confucius did not discuss: the supernatural, violence, rebellion, or ghosts.

 

Confucius said: "Among three travelers, one must be my teacher. I emulate their virtues and correct my faults by their errors."

 

Confucius said: "Heaven implanted virtue in me—what can Huan Tui do to me?"

 

Confucius said to his disciples: "Do you think I hide anything? I conceal nothing. All I am is open to you—such is my way."

 

Confucius taught four things: culture, conduct, loyalty, and trustworthiness.

 

Confucius said: "Sages I may never see, but gentlemen suffice. True good men I may never see, but the steadfast suffice. Those who pretend fullness amid emptiness, wealth amid poverty—such lack constancy."

 

Confucius fished with a rod, not nets; hunted with arrows but never struck roosting birds.

 

Confucius said: "Some act without understanding—I do not. Hear much, choose the good; see much, remember—this is wisdom of the second order."

 

When Confucius met a youth from Huxiang (a village known for rudeness), his disciples doubted. Confucius said: "I commend his progress, not his past. When one seeks improvement, accept their effort—why dwell on flaws?"

 

Confucius said: "Is ren distant? Seek it earnestly, and it is here."

 

Chen Sibai asked: "Did Duke Zhao of Lu understand rites?"Confucius said: "Yes."
Later, Chen told Wu Maqi: "A true gentleman shows no partiality. The Duke married a woman of his own clan, yet Confucius called him 'ritual-minded'!"
When informed, Confucius said: "I am fortunate. Others expose my errors."

 

When singing with others, if moved by their skill, Confucius always requested an encore and joined in harmony.

 

Confucius said: "In bookish knowledge, I match others. As a practicing junzi (gentleman), I still fall short."

 

Confucius said: "Call me sage or ren? I dare not claim it! I strive tirelessly toward these ideals and teach without weariness—that is all."
Gongxi Hua remarked: "This is what we disciples cannot attain."

 

When gravely ill, Zi Lu prayed to spirits. Confucius asked: "Is this done?"
Zi Lu cited a prayer text. Confucius said: "My prayers began long ago."

 

Confucius said: "Extravagance breeds arrogance; thrift breeds pettiness. Better pettiness than arrogance."

 

Confucius said: "The junzi is broad-minded and serene; the petty man is anxious and calculating."

 

Confucius’ demeanor: gentle yet stern, authoritative without harshness, respectful yet composed.

 

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