The Great Wisdom of the Analects - Complete Collection (Treasure Edition)

Author: Dongfang Chenwu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: Ren is the core content of Confucianism and Confucian doctrine, and one of its manifestations is filial piety and fraternal respect. This is an exposition of what Ren is from a positive perspective. In this chapter, Confucius discusses the opposite of Ren, which is flattery and eloquence. From today's perspective, we advocate speaking cautiously and acting accordingly, prioritizing actions over words, and opposing the tendency to act impulsively, speak without substance, and remain confined to mere words. This demonstrates that Confucius emphasized practical actions, particularly the importance of consistency between words and deeds, and discouraged empty talk and hypocrisy. This pragmatic attitude and simple spirit have long influenced the Chinese people, becoming a cornerstone of traditional Chinese thought and culture.
Generally speaking, those who are good at deception will inevitably put great effort into their words and expressions, concealing their true intentions behind smooth talk and flattering smiles, thereby lulling others into complacency and making them lax in vigilance. Therefore, when faced with flattery and deceptive behavior, one must maintain a clear mind.
During the Warring States period, the state of Qi sent a large army to attack the state of Song. The arrogant King Kang of Song heard the news but did not believe it, so he sent someone to investigate where the Qi army had reached. Soon after, the messenger returned and reported, "The Qi army has already crossed the border, and the people of the entire state are in turmoil." The king's close advisors all said to King Kang, "This is exactly what the common saying goes: 'Flesh breeds maggots on its own! How could this happen when the state of Song is strong and the Qi army is weak?'" Angered, King Kang had the messenger executed. He then sent another messenger to investigate. The second messenger returned with the same report, and King Kang, even more furious, had him killed as well. After killing three messengers in succession, he sent a fourth to continue the investigation. By then, the Qi army was already nearing the capital of Song, and the people were indeed in panic.
The messenger happened to meet his brother on the road. His brother saw him hurrying forward and asked, "The state is in great danger. Where are you going?" The younger brother replied, "I am going to investigate the movements of the Qi army for the king. But I didn't expect the Qi army to be so close to the capital, and the people to be so panicked. I am now worried that the three previous messengers, who reported the truth about the Qi army's advance, were executed. If I report the truth, I will die, and if I don't report the truth, I will also die. What should I do?" His brother thought for a moment and said, "If you report the truth, you will suffer before the state falls and people are killed or flee. I think it would be better to tell a white lie!" So the messenger reported to King Kang, "I did not see any trace of the Qi army, and the people are very calm." King Kang was delighted upon hearing this. His close advisors said, "It seems the three previous messengers were not unjustly killed." King Kang then generously rewarded the messenger.
Soon after, the Qi army advanced unimpeded and captured the capital of Song. King Kang only then realized his mistake and hurriedly climbed into his chariot, fleeing in haste.
During the Warring States period, Zou Ji was very discerning and could distinguish the essence of flattering words and derive wisdom from them. In the end, he even successfully advised the King of Qi. Zou Ji was exceptionally handsome. One day, he asked his wife, "Compared to Xu Gong from the north of the city, who is more beautiful?" His wife replied, "Of course, it's you! How can Xu Gong be compared to you?" Zou Ji then asked his concubine, "Compared to Xu Gong from the north of the city, who is more beautiful?" The concubine gave the same answer as his wife: "Of course, it's you! How can Xu Gong be compared to you?" The next day, a guest came to visit and said the same thing. The day after, Xu Gong visited Zou Ji's home. Zou Ji carefully examined him and found that he was clearly more handsome than himself.
"I am obviously less handsome than Xu Gong, but why did my wife, concubine, and guest all say I was more beautiful?" Later, Zou Ji suddenly realized: "My wife said I was more beautiful out of affection for me; the concubine said I was more beautiful to flatter me and fear I would be unhappy; and the guest said I was more beautiful because he had something to ask of me!" Later, Zou Ji used this principle to advise the King of Qi, urging him to associate with the virtuous and keep away from the treacherous, to widely accept good advice, and as a result, the politics of Qi became clear and upright.
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