Zizhang

Zizhang said, "A scholar-official should be ready to sacrifice his life in times of danger, weigh righteousness before profit, maintain reverence in rituals, and embody grief in mourning. Such a man is sufficient."

Zizhang said, "If one practices virtue without expanding it, or believes in the Way without steadfastness—how can we say such a person truly possesses these qualities? How can we say they do not?"

When Zixia’s disciples asked Zizhang about friendship, Zizhang replied, "What did Zixia teach?" They answered, "He said: 'Befriend those worthy and avoid the unworthy.'" Zizhang said, "This differs from what I learned! A gentleman honors the worthy yet embraces all, praises the good and pities the incapable. If I am worthy, why should I reject others? If I am unworthy, others will reject me—how then could I reject them?"

Zixia said, "Even minor skills have value, but they hinder grand pursuits. Thus, a gentleman does not dwell on them."

Zixia said, "To learn something new each day and never forget what one has mastered—this is true dedication to learning."

Zixia said, "Broad learning with firm purpose, earnest inquiry, and reflection on present affairs—benevolence lies within these."

Zixia said, "Artisans toil daily in their workshops; gentlemen devote their lives to mastering the Way."

Zixia said, "Petty men invariably conceal their faults."

Zixia said, "A gentleman inspires three impressions: awe from afar, warmth up close, and rigor in his speech."

Zixia said, "A gentleman must earn the people’s trust before governing them. Without trust, they will see it as oppression. He must earn his ruler’s trust before remonstrating. Without trust, the ruler will deem it slander."

Zixia said, "One must not transgress in major principles; minor deviations may be pardoned."

Ziyou remarked, "Zixia’s disciples excel at menial tasks—sweeping, hosting guests, proper etiquette—but neglect the fundamentals. How can this suffice?" Zixia retorted, "Ah, Ziyou errs! A gentleman’s teachings are like plants categorized by kind. How could they be distorted? Only sages achieve perfect order in instruction!"

Zixia said, "After serving in office, pursue learning; after mastering learning, return to office to better enact benevolence."

Ziyou said, "In mourning, expressing grief fully is enough."

Ziyou said, "My friend Zizhang is remarkable, yet he has not attained benevolence."

Zengzi said, "Zizhang’s imposing demeanor makes it hard to join him in pursuing benevolence."

Zengzi said, "I heard our Master say: ‘One cannot fully express emotion except in mourning one’s parents.’"

Zengzi said, "Meng Zhuangzi’s filial piety could be matched by others, but his refusal to replace his father’s ministers and policies—that is unmatched."

When appointed as a judge, Yang Fu sought Zengzi’s counsel. Zengzi said, "The rulers have long abandoned the Way, and the people’s hearts are adrift. If you uncover the truth in a case, grieve for it—do not revel in it!"

Zigong said, "King Zhou’s wickedness was less than legend claims. Thus, gentlemen loathe being associated with ‘the lowly,’ for all evils are heaped upon them."

Zigong said, "A gentleman’s faults are like eclipses: all see them, and all gaze up when he corrects them."

When Gongsun Chao of Wei asked, "Where did Confucius acquire his learning?" Zigong replied, "The Way of Kings Wen and Wu persists in the world. The wise grasp its roots; the unwise cling to branches. Our Master learned everywhere—why would he need a fixed teacher?"

Shusun Wushu declared, "Zigong surpasses Confucius in talent." Zifu Jingbo relayed this. Zigong said, "Let walls serve as metaphor: mine is shoulder-high, revealing the house within. My Master’s wall is ten times taller. Without finding the gate, none see its grand temples and halls. Few find the gate—is Shusun’s remark not natural?"

When Shusun slandered Confucius, Zigong said, "It is futile! Confucius cannot be defamed. Others’ virtue is a hill to be climbed; his is the sun and moon—unreachable. Those who reject the sun and moon harm only themselves, proving their folly."

Chen Ziqin sneered, "You flatter too much—how could Confucius surpass you?" Zigong replied, "A single word reveals a gentleman’s wisdom or folly. My Master is as unattainable as the heavens. Had he governed a state, his people would stand by ritual at his command, follow his guidance, rally to his call. Alive, he brings glory; dead, he is mourned. Who could equal him?"