Xian Wen

Yuan Xian asked Confucius about shame. Confucius said: "To hold office and receive salary when the state is well-governed is acceptable, but to do the same when the state is corrupt - that is shameful." Yuan Xian asked: "Can one without competitiveness, boastfulness, resentment or greed be considered benevolent?" Confucius replied: "Such restraint is commendable, but whether it constitutes benevolence I cannot determine."

 

Confucius said: "A scholar-official who clings to domestic comforts is unworthy of the title."

 

Confucius said: "In orderly times, speak and act with integrity; in chaotic times, maintain righteous conduct but speak with cautious humility."

 

Confucius said: "Virtuous people necessarily speak well, but eloquent speakers may lack virtue. Benevolent people are courageous, but the brave may lack benevolence."

 

When Nangong Kuo contrasted the violent deaths of Yi the archer and Ao the naval commander with Yu and Ji's agricultural rule, Confucius later remarked: "This man is a true gentleman! He truly values virtue!"

 

Confucius said: "Some gentlemen lack benevolence, but among petty men, none can be truly benevolent."

 

Confucius said: "Can we love someone without urging diligence? Can we be loyal without offering wise counsel?"

 

Confucius described Zheng's document process: "Drafts by Pi Chen, reviewed by Shi Shu, polished by Ziyu, finalized by Zichan."

 

When asked about statesmen, Confucius said: "Zichan was magnanimous. Zixi similar. As for Guan Zhong - though he confiscated Bo Shi's fiefdom, the latter bore no grudge even eating coarse grain till death."

 

Confucius observed: "Enduring poverty without complaint is hard; remaining humble in wealth is easier."

 

Confucius said: "Meng Gongchuo was competent as steward to Jin nobles, but unfit to govern small states like Teng or Xue."

 

When Zilu asked about perfect men, Confucius described combining various virtues before concluding: "Nowadays, true perfection lies in prioritizing righteousness over profit, sacrificing in danger, and keeping promises through poverty."

 

Investigating Gongshu Wenzi's reputation, Confucius learned: "He spoke when appropriate, laughed when truly happy, took only what was proper." Confucius marveled: "So it was truly thus!"

 

Confucius doubted Zang Wuzhong's motives: "Even if some say he didn't coerce the ruler regarding Fangyi, I remain skeptical."

 

Comparing rulers: "Duke Wen of Jin was crafty but unrighteous; Duke Huan of Qi was righteous though lacking cunning."

 

Defending Guan Zhong against criticism for surviving his master's death, Confucius said: "Through Guan Zhong, Duke Huan united states without warfare. This was his benevolence! Had he died pointlessly, we might all be barbarians now!"

 

When Gongshu Wenzi's former steward became fellow minister, Confucius approved his posthumous title "Cultured".

 

Explaining why corrupt Duke Ling of Wei survived: "He had competent ministers handling foreign affairs, rituals, and military - how could he fall?"

 

Confucius warned: "Those who boast shamelessly will struggle to fulfill their words."

 

After Chen Heng assassinated Duke Jian, Confucius urgently petitioned for punishment. When ignored, he lamented: "Having served as official, I had to report - though rulers defer to the three families!"

 

On serving rulers, Confucius advised Zilu: "Never deceive, but remonstrate directly."

 

Confucius said: "Gentlemen ascend through virtue; petty men descend through profit."

 

Contrasting learning purposes: "The ancients studied for self-cultivation; moderns study for show."

 

Praising Qu Boyu's messenger who said "My master seeks to reduce his faults", Confucius exclaimed: "What an excellent envoy!"

 

Confucius said: "Don't meddle beyond your position." Zengzi added: "Gentlemen never exceed their authority."

 

Confucius considered shameful "speaking more than acting".

 

Confucius confessed failing three gentlemanly traits: "The benevolent worry not, the wise doubt not, the brave fear not." Zigong interjected: "Master describes himself."

 

Reprimanding Zigong for criticizing others: "Si! Are you so perfect? I've no time for fault-finding."

 

Confucius advised: "Worry not about being unknown, but about knowing others."

 

Defining wisdom: "Not presuming deceit, yet detecting it early - that's true worth."

 

Answering Weisheng Mu's challenge about his travels: "I hate obstinate people, not seek fame."

 

Praising horses: "What's admirable isn't their strength, but their virtue."

 

On repaying malice with virtue: "Then how repay kindness? Repay malice with justice, kindness with virtue."

 

Lamenting being misunderstood: "I blame neither heaven nor men. Studying below, comprehending above - only heaven knows me!"

 

When Gongbo Liao slandered Zilu, Confucius dismissed concern: "If the Way prevails, it's heaven's will; if not, likewise. What can slanderers do?"

 

Confucius described four levels of reclusion: "Some avoid chaotic society, others barbaric lands, others rude looks, others harsh words. Seven achieved this."

 

A gatekeeper recognized Zilu as "the one who persists knowing it's hopeless".

 

When a grass-carrier mocked Confucius' qing-stone music comparing it to wading rivers, Confucius admitted: "His determination puts me to shame."

 

Explaining three-year mourning: "Not just King Gaozong - all ancients did so. Ministers maintained governance under prime ministers."

 

Confucius said: "When rulers follow ritual, people become manageable."

 

To Zilu seeking greatness, Confucius outlined three stages: "Cultivate yourself", then "bring peace to others", finally "bring peace to all people - even Yao and Shun found this hard".

 

Berating the ill-mannered Yuan Rang: "As child, disrespectful; as adult, useless; as elder, pest!" He struck his shin with staff.

 

Judging a presumptuous youth: "Sits in adults' seat, walks beside elders - not promising, just impatient."