Synthesized answer
The "Wisdom of the East" series aims to be "ambassadors of goodwill and understanding between East and West--the old world of Thought and the new of Action" [2]. In this context, the interaction between Tzǔ Lu (also referred to as Yu) and Confucius regarding governance likely intends to convey a message about "Oriental thought" that emphasizes introspection and conceptual clarity over immediate action. When Tzǔ Lu presses Confucius for the first reform he would introduce, Confucius states, "I would begin by defining terms and making them exact" [3]. Tzǔ Lu finds this approach circuitous, but Confucius retorts that "In matters which he does not understand, the wise man will always reserve his judgment" [3]. This suggests that Eastern thought, as represented by Confucius, prioritizes a deep understanding of fundamental principles before undertaking reform, valuing precision in language and thought as foundational to effective action.
This excerpt, when viewed through the lens of the series' purpose, highlights a method of problem-solving that begins with intellectual rigor. The editors might intend for Western readers, accustomed to a "new world of Action," to appreciate this…
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
hou. He drew up a legal code, purified the morals of the people, and devoted himself wholly to the welfare of the State. Confucius in the reforming zeal of his younger days had an ardent desire to see the principles and institutions of Chou Kung brought into general practice. ↑ Legge and others (including even Mr. Ku Hung-ming) make the sense out to be "If there were any prospect of my being successful in the search for riches, I would not hesitate to pursue them by any means in my power." Thus translated, the Master's saying is grotesquely at variance with the whole trend of his conduct and…
For other English-language translations of this work, see Analects . ← The Sayings of Confucius; a New Translation of the Greater Part of the Confucian Analects ( 1910 ) by Confucius , translated by Lionel Giles → Part of the Wisdom of the East series. Confucius 4722941 The Sayings of Confucius; a New Translation of the Greater Part of the Confucian Analects 1910 Lionel Giles (Upload an image to replace this placeholder.) The Wisdom of the East Series Edited By L. CRANMER-BYNG Dr. S. A. KAPADIA. THE SAYINGS OF CONFUCIUS WISDOM OF THE EAST THE SAYINGS OF CONFUCIUS A NEW TRANSLATION OF…
ass. For it is the nature of grass to bend when the wind blows upon it. Tzǔ Lu asked for a hint on the art of governing. The Master replied: Take the lead and set the example of diligent toil.—Asked for a further hint, he said: Be patient and untiring. Chung Kung, being Prime Minister to the head of the Chi clan, asked for advice on governing. The Master said: Make a point of employing your subordinates, overlook trifling mistakes, raise to office worthy and able men.—But, said Chung Kung, how am I to discover these worthy men and single them out for promotion?—Promote those that you know,…
of material, but his language here hardly strikes us as that likely to be used by a man speaking of his own compilation. ↑ That is to say, he is not limited in his functions like a vessel or implement, not "borné" or a man of one idea. Cf. note on p. 71. ↑ Every ceremonial rite being symbolical of some portion of the world's harmony, and the Great Sacrifice being the head and fount as it were of all the rest, it follows that the man who could penetrate its profound symbolism would have the whole system of morals and government unrolled before his eyes. ↑ Prime Minister of the Wei State, who…
e may be contented?—Confucius replied: Promote the upright and dismiss all evil-doers, and the people will be contented. Pro mote the evil-doers and dismiss the upright, and the people will be discontented. Chi K'ang Tzŭ asked by what means he might cause his people to be respectful and loyal, and encourage them in the path of virtue. The Master replied: Conduct yourself towards them with dignity, and you will earn their respect; be a good son and a kind prince, and you will find them loyal; promote the deserving and instruct those who fall short, and they will be encouraged to follow the…
More questions about this book
- The editors propose that "Oriental thought may help to a revival of that true spirit of Charity which neither despises nor fears the nations of another creed and colour." Explain, in your own words, what this "true spirit of Charity" means in the context of the 1910 publication and how the editors believe studying Confucius specifically could cultivate it.
- The "Editorial Note" frames "East" as "Thought" and "West" as "Action." How does this dichotomy shape the editors' stated goal of fostering "goodwill and understanding," and what potential limitations or biases might this particular framing introduce when approaching the study of the Analects?
- Tzǔ Ch'in asks whether Confucius "find[s] out all about [a new country's] method of government" by actively seeking information or if it is "voluntarily proffered." Why is this specific distinction important to Tzǔ Ch'in, and what does it imply about the expected or ideal relationship between a sage and worldly power?
- Beyond the literal answer, what deeper insights into Confucius's character, priorities, or methods of influence might Tzǔ Ch'in be seeking through his question to Tzǔ Kung, and how might Tzǔ Kung's eventual reply clarify these aspects?