Kabanata Kabanata 1 · _On Learning--Miscellaneous Sayings_

"To learn," said the Master, "and then to practise opportunely what

one has learnt--does not this bring with it a sense of satisfaction?

"To have associates in study coming to one from distant parts--does

not this also mean pleasure in store?

"And are not those who, while not comprehending all that is said,

still remain not unpleased to hear, men of the superior order?"

A saying of the Scholar Yu:--

"It is rarely the case that those who act the part of true men in

regard to their duty to parents and elder brothers are at the same

time willing to turn currishly upon their superiors: it has never yet

been the case that such as desire not to commit that offence have been

men willing to promote anarchy or disorder.

"Men of superior mind busy themselves first in getting at the root of

things; and when they have succeeded in this the right course is open

to them. Well, are not filial piety and friendly subordination among

brothers a root of that right feeling which is owing generally from

man to man?"

The Master observed, "Rarely do we meet with the right feeling due

from one man to another where there is fine speech and studied mien."

The Scholar Tsang once said of himself: "On three points I examine

myself daily, viz., whether, in looking after other people's

interests, I have not been acting whole-heartedly; whether, in my

intercourse with friends, I have not been true; and whether, after

teaching, I have not myself been practising what I have taught."

The Master once observed that to rule well one of the larger States

meant strict attention to its affairs and conscientiousness on the

part of the ruler; careful husbanding of its resources, with at the

same time a tender care for the interests of all classes; and the

employing of the masses in the public service at suitable seasons.

"Let young people," said he, "show filial piety at home,

respectfulness towards their elders when away from home; let them be

circumspect, be truthful; their love going out freely towards all,

cultivating good-will to men. And if, in such a walk, there be time or

energy left for other things, let them employ it in the acquisition of

literary or artistic accomplishments."

The disciple Tsz-hia said, "The appreciation of worth in men of worth,

thus diverting the mind from lascivious desires--ministering to

parents while one is the most capable of so doing--serving one's ruler

when one is able to devote himself entirely to that object--being

sincere in one's language in intercourse with friends: this I

certainly must call evidence of learning, though others may say there

has been 'no learning.'"

Sayings of the Master:--

"If the great man be not grave, he will not be revered, neither can

his learning be solid.

"Give prominent place to loyalty and sincerity.

"Have no associates in study who are not advanced somewhat like

yourself.

"When you have erred, be not afraid to correct yourself."

A saying of the Scholar Tsang:--

"The virtue of the people is renewed and enriched when attention is

seen to be paid to the departed, and the remembrance of distant

ancestors kept and cherished."

Tsz-k[']in put this query to his fellow disciple Tsz-kung: said he,

"When our Master comes to this or that State, he learns without fail

how it is being governed. Does he investigate matters? or are the

facts given him?"

Tsz-kung answered, "Our Master is a man of pleasant manners, and of

probity, courteous, moderate, and unassuming: it is by his being such

that he arrives at the facts. Is not his way of arriving at things

different from that of others?"

A saying of the Master:--

"He who, after three years' observation of the will of his father when

alive, or of his past conduct if dead, does not deviate from that

father's ways, is entitled to be called 'a dutiful son.'"

Sayings of the Scholar Yu:--

"For the practice of the Rules of Propriety,[1] one excellent way is

to be natural. This naturalness became a great grace in the practice

of kings of former times; let everyone, small or great, follow their

example.

"It is not, however, always practicable; and it is not so in the case

of a person who does things naturally, knowing that he should act so,

and yet who neglects to regulate his acts according to the Rules.

"When truth and right are hand in hand, a statement will bear

repetition. When respectfulness and propriety go hand in hand,

disgrace and shame are kept afar-off. Remove all occasion for

alienating those to whom you are bound by close ties, and you have

them still to resort to."

A saying of the Master:--

"The man of greater mind who, when he is eating, craves not to eat to

the full; who has a home, but craves not for comforts in it; who is

active and earnest in his work and careful in his words; who makes

towards men of high principle, and so maintains his own

rectitude--that man may be styled a devoted student."

Tsz-kung asked, "What say you, sir, of the poor who do not cringe and

fawn; and what of the rich who are without pride and haughtiness?" "They

are passable," the Master replied; "yet they are scarcely in the same

category as the poor who are happy, and the rich who love propriety."

"In the 'Book of the Odes,'" Tsz-kung went on to say, "we read of one

Polished, as by the knife and file,

The graving-tool, the smoothing-stone.

Does that coincide with your remark?"

"Ah! such as you," replied the Master, "may well commence a discussion

on the Odes. If one tell you how a thing goes, you know what ought to

come."

"It does not greatly concern me," said the Master, "that men do not

know me; my great concern is, my not knowing them."

[Footnote 1: An important part of a Chinaman's education still. The

text-book, "The Li Ki," contains rules for behavior and propriety for

the whole life, from the cradle to the grave.]

BOOK 2.