Chinese Literature | Page 6

Tsz-yu, his reply was this: "The filial piety of
the present day simply means the being able to support one's
parents--which extends even to the case of dogs and horses, all of
which may have something to give in the way of support. If there be no
reverential feeling in the matter, what is there to distinguish between
the cases?"
To a like question of Tsz-hia, he replied: "The manner is the difficulty.
If, in the case of work to be done, the younger folks simply take upon
themselves the toil of it; or if, in the matter of meat and drink, they
simply set these before their elders--is this to be taken as filial piety?"
Once the Master remarked, "I have conversed with Hwúi the whole day
long, and he has controverted nothing that I have said, as if he were
without wits. But when his back was turned, and I looked attentively at
his conduct apart from me, I found it satisfactory in all its issues. No,
indeed! Hwúi is not without his wits."
Other observations of the Master:--
"If you observe what things people (usually) take in hand, watch their
motives, and note particularly what it is that gives them satisfaction,
shall they be able to conceal from you what they are? Conceal
themselves, indeed!
"Be versed in ancient lore, and familiarize yourself with the modern;
then may you become teachers.
"The great man is not a mere receptacle."
In reply to Tsz-kung respecting the great man:--
"What he first says, as a result of his experience, he afterwards follows

up.
"The great man is catholic-minded, and not one-sided. The common
man is the reverse.
"Learning, without thought, is a snare; thought, without learning, is a
danger.
"Where the mind is set much upon heterodox principles--there truly and
indeed is harm."
To the disciple Tsz-lu the Master said, "Shall I give you a lesson about
knowledge? When you know a thing, maintain that you know it; and
when you do not, acknowledge your ignorance. This is characteristic of
knowledge."
Tsz-chang was studying with an eye to official income. The Master
addressed him thus: "Of the many things you hear hold aloof from
those that are doubtful, and speak guardedly with reference to the rest;
your mistakes will then be few. Also, of the many courses you see
adopted, hold aloof from those that are risky, and carefully follow the
others; you will then seldom have occasion for regret. Thus, being
seldom mistaken in your utterances, and having few occasions for
regret in the line you take, you are on the high road to your
preferment."
To a question put to him by Duke Ngai [2] as to what should be done in
order to render the people submissive to authority, Confucius replied,
"Promote the straightforward, and reject those whose courses are
crooked, and the thing will be effected. Promote the crooked and reject
the straightforward, and the effect will be the reverse."
When Ki K'ang [3] asked of him how the people could be induced to
show respect, loyalty, and willingness to be led, the Master answered,
"Let there be grave dignity in him who has the oversight of them, and
they will show him respect; let him be seen to be good to his own
parents, and kindly in disposition, and they will be loyal to him; let him
promote those who have ability, and see to the instruction of those who

have it not, and they will be willing to be led."
Some one, speaking to Confucius, inquired, "Why, sir, are you not an
administrator of government?" The Master rejoined, "What says the
'Book of the Annals,' with reference to filial duty?--'Make it a point to
be dutiful to your parents and amicable with your brethren; the same
duties extend to an administrator.' If these, then, also make an
administrator, how am I to take your words about being an
administrator?"
On one occasion the Master remarked, "I know not what men are good
for, on whose word no reliance can be placed. How should your
carriages, large or little, get along without your whipple-trees or
swing-trees?"
Tsz-chang asked if it were possible to forecast the state of the country
ten generations hence. The Master replied in this manner: "The Yin
dynasty adopted the rules and manners of the Hiá line of kings, and it is
possible to tell whether it retrograded or advanced. The Chow line has
followed the Yin, adopting its ways, and whether there has been
deterioration or improvement may also be determined. Some other line
may take up in turn those of Chow; and supposing even this process to
go on for a hundred generations, the result may be known."
Other sayings of the Master:--
"It is but flattery to make sacrificial offerings