"Human Observation Manual - New Edition of the Little Five Classics and the Four Books"

Author: Liu Guojian / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-06-01
Features: The Commoner, the Scholar, the Gentleman, the Virtuous Person, and the Sage [Original Text]
The world's most important instruments and the great unity of the king all depend on the use of intelligence in evaluating talent and achieving comfort through proper delegation. Therefore, Confucius said: "There are five types of people: the commoner, the scholar, the gentleman, the sage, and the virtuous person. If one understands and properly utilizes these five types, then the methods of governing and stabilizing the state are complete."
The commoner is one whose heart does not hold the principle of enduring caution, whose mouth does not utter disciplined words. They do not choose the virtuous to rely on, nor do they strive to establish themselves through action. They see the small and ignore the great, not knowing what they should pursue, and follow the crowd without any firm stance. This is the commoner.
The scholar is one whose heart is determined, and whose plans are steadfast. Although they may not fully grasp the essence of the Way, they must have a guiding principle; although they may not practice all the virtues, they must have something commendable. Therefore, wisdom does not seek to be extensive, but to be thorough in what is known; speech does not seek to be extensive, but to be precise in meaning; action does not seek to be extensive, but to be clear in method. Once wisdom is known, and action is clear, it is as unchangeable as life and body. Wealth and status do not increase them, nor do poverty and low status diminish them. This is the scholar.
The gentleman is one who speaks with loyalty and trustworthiness, without fear or hesitation. With benevolence and righteousness in their character, they do not boast. Their thoughts are clear and their words are gentle, yet their actions are firm and principled. They constantly strive for self-improvement, as if they are easily surpassed but ultimately unattainable. This is the gentleman.
The virtuous person is one whose virtue does not exceed boundaries, whose actions conform to norms. Their words are enough to be emulated by the world without harming themselves, and their way is enough to transform the people without harming the foundation. When they are wealthy, there is no hoarding in the world; when they distribute, the world is not afflicted with poverty. This is the virtuous person.
The sage is one whose virtue aligns with the heavens and earth, adaptable in all ways. They explore the beginnings and ends of all things, harmonizing all creations with their natural tendencies. They spread the great Way and thus fulfill the nature of all people. Their wisdom shines like the sun and moon, and their transformation is as divine as a miracle. The common people do not perceive their virtue, and those who see them do not recognize their vastness. This is the sage. – The Art of War and the Way of the Statesman
[Translation] The key to long-term stability and peace of a nation, the stability and continuation of the throne, all depend on the discernment and proper use of talent. Therefore, Confucius said: "People can be divided into five categories: the commoner, the scholar, the gentleman, the sage, and the virtuous person. If one understands and properly utilizes these five types, then they have fully grasped the methods of governing and stabilizing the state."
The commoner is one who lacks ambition, does not seek lifelong fame, and lacks cultured speech. They cannot choose a virtuous ruler to rely on, nor can they establish themselves through their own efforts. They are short-sighted, ignore the bigger picture, do not know what they should do, and follow the crowd without any firm stance. This is the commoner.
The scholar is one who has goals and plans, although they may not fully grasp the essence of the Way, they must have a guiding principle; although they may not practice all the virtues, they must have something commendable. Wisdom does not seek to be extensive, but to be thorough in what is known; speech does not seek to be extensive, but to be precise in meaning; action does not seek to be extensive, but to be clear in method. Once wisdom is known, and action is clear, it is as unchangeable as life and body. They do not feel enriched by wealth or status, nor do they feel diminished by poverty or low status. This is the scholar.
The gentleman is one who speaks with loyalty and trustworthiness, without fear or hesitation. With benevolence and righteousness in their character, they do not boast. Their thoughts are clear and their words are gentle, yet their actions are firm and principled. They constantly strive for self-improvement, as if they are easily surpassed but ultimately unattainable. This is the gentleman.
The virtuous person is one whose virtue does not exceed boundaries, whose actions conform to norms. Their words are enough to be emulated by the world without harming themselves, and their way is enough to transform the people without harming the foundation. When they are wealthy, there is no hoarding in the world; when they distribute, the world is not afflicted with poverty. This is the virtuous person.
The sage is one whose virtue aligns with the heavens and earth, adaptable in all ways. They explore the beginnings and ends of all things, harmonizing all creations with their natural tendencies. They spread the great Way and thus fulfill the nature of all people. Their wisdom shines like the sun and moon, and their transformation is as divine as a miracle. The common people do not perceive their virtue, and those who see them do not recognize their vastness. This is the sage.
P2-3