The Satisfaction from Learning
To learn, and then to practise opportunely what one has learned, brings satisfaction.
To have associates in study coming to one from distant gives means pleasure.
The superior order of men are those who still remain pleased even if they do not comprehend this.
I examine myself daily on 3 points:
- whether, in looking after other people’s interests, I have not been acting whole-heartedly,
- whether, I have not been true with friends, and
- whether, after teaching, I have not myself been practising what I have taught.
You once said that to rule well one of the larger States meant:
- strict attention to its affairs,
- conscientiousness on the part of the ruler,
- careful husbanding of its resources,
- a tender care for the interests of all classes
- the employing of the masses in the public service at suitable seasons.
Let young people 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. 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 evidence of learning are:
- the appreciation of worth in men of worth,
- 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
- being sincere in one’s language in intercourse with friends.
Others may say that these are not signs of learning.
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.
Tsz-k’in asked his fellow disciple Tsz-Kung:
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?
Confucius is Anti-Natural, The Opposite of Taoism
*An important part of a education. The text-book, “The Li Ki,” contains rules for behavior and propriety for the whole life, from the cradle to the grave.
But being natural is not always practicable because it might lead to the neglect of 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 away.
You will be able to resort to your close ties if you do not alienate them.
A man who has a greater mind:
- does not crave to eat to the full when he is eating, and
- does not crave for the comforts in it.
Such a man can be become a devoted student, especially if he=
- is active and earnest in his work,
- careful in his words towards men of high principle to maintain his own rectitude.
You may well commence a discussion on the Odes. If one tell you how a thing goes, you know what ought to come.
It do not mind that men do not know me My great concern is, my not knowing them.
