The Analects
8 November 2006
Here is a collection of my favorite verses from The Analects, a book of teachings attributed to Confucius by his followers. Looking over these, I noticed that most generally reflect some type of deficiency I see within myself.
The Master said: ‘To learn something and at times to practise it-surely that is a pleasure? To have friends coming from distant places-surely that is delightful? But not to be resentful at others’ failure to appreciate one-surely that is to be a true gentleman.
The Master said: ‘Young men should be filial when at home and respectful to elders when away from home. They should be earnest and trustworthy. Although they should love the multitude far and wide, they should be intimate only with the humane. If they have any energy to spare after so doing, they should use it to study “culture”.’
Meng Wu Bo asked about filial piety and the Master said: ‘It is when father’s and mother’s only worry is about one being ill.’
Zigong asked about the gentleman. The Master said: ‘He puts his sayings into action before adopting them as guidelines.’
The Master said: “When you come across a superior person, think of being equal to him. When you come across an inferior person, turn inwards and examine yourself.’
The Master said: ‘When substance prevails over refinement there is churlishness, and when refinement prevails over substance there is pedantry. Only if refinement and substance are properly blended, does one become a gentleman.
Zigong asked about friends. The Master said. ‘Loyally provide them with information and guide them skillfully. If this is no good, then desist. Do not humiliate yourself through them.
The Master said: ‘Avoid being impatient, avoid noticing minor advantages. If you are impatient, then you will not be thorough. If you notice minor advantages, then major tasks will not be accomplished.
The Master said: ‘Not to talk with people although they can be talked with is to waste people. To talk with people although they cannot be talked with is to waste words. A man of understanding does not waste people, but he also does not waste words.’
