Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Affective Fallacy
Affective Fallacy
Affective Fallacy
arises from judging a poem by the emotional effect that it produces in the reader. The
concept of affective fallacy is a direct attack on impressionistic criticism, which
argues that the reader’s response to a poem is the ultimate indication of its value.
Those who support the affective criterion for judging poetry cite its long and
respectable history, beginning with Aristotle’s dictum that the purpose of tragedy is to
evoke “terror and pity.” Edgar Allan Poestated that “a poem deserves its title only
inasmuch as it excites, by elevating the soul.” Emily Dickinson said, “If I feel
physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry.” Many
modern critics continue to assert that emotional communication and response cannot
be separated from the evaluation of a poem. See also New Criticism.
LEARN MORE in these related Britannica articles:
New Criticism
New Criticism, post-World War I school of Anglo-American literary critical theory that insisted on
the intrinsic value of a work of art and focused attention on the individual work alone as an
independent unit of meaning. It was opposed to the critical practice of bringing historical or
biographical data to…
Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, American lyric poet who lived in seclusion and commanded a singular brilliance of
style and integrity of vision. With Walt Whitman, Dickinson is widely considered to be one of the
two leading…
Intentional fallacy
Intentional fallacy, term used in 20th-century literary criticism to describe the problem inherent in
trying to judge a work of art by assuming the intent or purpose of the artist who created it. Introduced
by W.K. Wimsatt, Jr., and Monroe C. Beardsley in The Verbal Icon (1954), the approach was a…
Philosophy of art
Philosophy of art, the study of the nature of art, including concepts such as interpretation,
representation and expression, and form. It is closely related to aesthetics, the philosophical study of
beauty and taste. The philosophy of art is distinguished from art criticism, which is concerned with…
ARTICLE HISTORY
FEEDBACK
Corrections? Updates? Help us improve this article!Contact our editors with your feedback.
Affective fallacy
QUICK FACTS
RELATED TOPICS
Philosophy of art
Intentional fallacy
Jainism
Jainism, Indian religion teaching a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through disciplined
nonviolence…
READ THIS ARTICLE
Daoism
Daoism, indigenous religio-philosophical tradition that has shaped Chinese life for more than 2,000
years.…
READ THIS ARTICLE
Postmodernism
Postmodernism, in Western philosophy, a late 20th-century movement characterized by broad
skepticism,…
READ THIS ARTICLE
Overall, Confucius tries to define how a good person should behave in society.
Personally, I do not like to use the term "good person" because it indicates that
some people are bad or evil.
I personally believe that making distinctions of good and bad tend to empower
righteousness and righteousness promotes judgment; the cause of conflict and
war. If we are to foster peace within ourselves and peace among ourselves, we
must see ourselves as one with each other and refuse to judge each other.
Peace and harmony are neutral words that are essentially free of judgment. So
if I were to say, "a good person does not steal", it indicates the righteousness of
that person. But if I say, "a person who flows in peace and harmony does not
steal", it indicates a non-judgmental state of
peace and harmony within that person.
Therefore, in this book in place of the word good, I have for the most part used
the words peace and harmony; peace in truth being a function of harmony. In
other words, if a person is in harmony with other people, she will tend to be at
peace with herself and at peace with others.
Scholars tend to use words that are precise even though they are sometimes
archaic. I am not a scholar and I did not actually translate the saying of
Confucius from the original Chinese pictographs. What I did was to try to find
a consensus among several translations. Therefore, what I have written is more
of an interpretation than a translation.
Further, I have not seen fit to interpret the most mundane sayings or the ones I
considered inapplicable to contemporary society.
BOOK 1
"To learn something and then to utilize it gives one a harmonious sense of
attainment. To have friends come from far away to visit is uplifting. To be
indifferent to recognition by others of one's talents is a keystone to a life of
peace and harmony."
2. Yu Tzu said,
"A person's character tends to be consistent in his encounters with others. If one
is in harmony with her family, she will generally be in harmony with her
employer. If she is in harmony with her employer, she will generally be
harmony with society. If a person concentrates on achieving harmony as the
root of her life and that root is firmly planted, then the harmony surrounding
her will increase. Peace and harmony within the family is surely the root of
peace and
harmony in society."
"When administering the affairs of a great nation, take care of official business,
do not betray the trust of the people, do not manifest a need for unnecessary
taxes by overspending and do not draft the farmers into the military between
planting and harvest."
"A young girl should be considerate of her parents at home and polite to her
elders in general; seldom make promises, but honor those she makes; be
receptive and empathetic to all people but become intimate only with those that
have demonstrated that they merit her trust; and at all times seek to manifest
peace and harmony."
7. Tzu-hsia said,
"If one values men and women of peace, provides for his parents as they have
provided for him, fulfills his obligation to his nation, is worthy of the trust of
his friends; even though he may not have formal schooling, he is indeed
educated."
"When your parents die, conduct their funeral with due respect and care,
remembering that you are the progeny of endless generations and remembering
that you too are mortal. If this is done, you will be reminded of your oneness
with all people and a sense of peace and harmony will
permeate society."
"Make note of a man's aspirations while his father is alive. Then observe his
behavior after his father dies. If after three years, he has not changed his father's
methods of handling affairs, it can be said that he was in harmony with his
father."
"People in harmony do not eat until they are full and do not strive for total
comfort at home. They are diligent in performing their duties and fulfilling
their responsibilities but are reserved in communicating their thoughts. They
seek to associate themselves with others who flow in peace
and harmony in order to remain centered in peace and harmony. Such people
are open to learning."
"Poor and flowing in the peace and harmony of simplicity, rich and flowing in
the peace and harmony of traditions and rituals"
BOOK 2
1. The teacher said,
"Those who flow in the harmony of the oneness of humanity are like the North
Star around which all the other stars orbit in peace and harmony."
"The sum of my teachings comes down to this: Live in harmony with yourself
and be at peace with all of humanity."
"In harmony with tradition, to the extent that you can, see that they
are provided for. At the time of their death, observe the traditions of
burial and the final rituals. Always remember that you are the progeny of
endless generations."
"Conduct yourself in such a manner that the only anxiety that your
parents have regarding you is in relation to any illness that you may
acquire."
7. The teacher said,
"If one lacks respect for her parents, then providing for them is like
providing for one's animals."
"I can talk to him all day and he asks no questions, so I wonder if he is
listening. However, later when I happen to observe him, I see that he is
practicing what I have taught. It is then that I realize that he not only was
listening but also that he understood."
"A person cannot hide his true character. Simply observe the way he
accomplishes his tasks and the path he takes. Consider whether there is
harmony between the things he says and the things he does."
"A person who can see the old traditions and rituals perpetually
manifesting in what is considered new is qualified to be a teacher."
"A person at one with humanity can see things from many
perspectives. A person who has forgotten his oneness is confused and can
only see things from one perspective; his."
"If one mindlessly learns from others but does not consider the
validity of what he has learned, he will become confused. If one studies but
does not consider the experiences of others, his life will flow in endless
difficulties and hardships."
"If one is out of harmony with others, peace will be hard to attain."
"If you doubt the majority of what you hear and are cautious about
repeating the rest, you will seldom be ridiculed. If you avoid perilous acts
and act in harmony with your nature, you will have few regrets. If you are
seldom blamed for your words and have few regrets about your actions,
your life will flow in peace and harmony."
"In order to increase the peace and harmony in society, appoint the
honest and empathetic to office. When the dishonest and arrogant hold
office, the people become contentious and rebellious."
"I do not know how a person who is untrustworthy can be put to use. If
an automobile has no steering wheel, how can its direction be determined."
23. When asked whether the nature of government two hundred years into
the future could be determined, the teacher said,
"To pay homage to gods that are not in harmony with one's nature is to
manipulate the followers of those gods. To have an opportunity to stand up
for what is true and not do so is confusion in cowardice."
BOOK 3
"People who remember their oneness with each other and flow in peace
and harmony do not contend with each other.
Only in competitions of the mind and body could they be considered as
being contentious. However, in competition there is mutual respect. Prize
fighters bear no anger toward their opponents."
8. When the teacher entered the Grand Temple, he asked questions about
everything.
Someone said,
"Do not tell me this teacher understands the rituals. If he did, why
would he ask so many questions?"
The teacher responded,
10. Tzu-kung wanted to stop sacrificing a sheep at the new moon ritual.
"Tzu-kung, you want to get rid of the sacrificial part of the ritual. I
want to get rid of that ritual altogether."
"If anyone serves his leader to the letter in every act and ritual, he
is considered a lackey."
12. Duke Ting asked the teacher how a ruler should manage his ministers
and how the ministers should relate to their ruler.
"In employing ministers, one should follow customs and traditions and
appoint those who are in harmony with the ruler.
Ministers should be in harmony with the ruler; loyal and committed to
his policies."
"It is best not to carry pleasure to the limits of drunkenness and not
to carry grief to the limits of self injury."
"What is over and done, do not argue about. What has taken its
course, do not complain about. What has past, do not criticize."
Someone said,
"Kuan Chung has three separate homes, wives and families and he
didn't take care of his official duties. How could he be considered frugal?
"When the ruler built a fence around the royal estate, Kuan Chung
built a fence around his property. When the ruler met with another ruler he
provided a stand for inverted cups. Kuan Chung also had such a stand. If
this is considered understanding the rituals, who does not understand
them?"
16. The teacher talked about the music of Lu with the Grand Master. He
said,
"I have never been denied an audience by any teacher who has come
this way."
The followers of the teacher presented the guardian to the teacher.
"What are you concerned about? It has been a long time since harmony
prevailed in the nation and the Infinite is about to use your teacher as a
wooden bell for peace.
18. The teacher commented on two plays; the Shao about the peaceful
enthronement of a ruler and the Wu about the enthronement of a ruler after
a war. He said,
BOOK 4
"One who resides in peace and harmony can long endure adversity as
easily as prosperity. A person who feels at one with peace and harmony is
at home in peace and harmony because it is her nature. A wise person
gravitates to peace and harmony because she knows it is advantageous to
do so."
"A person who flows in the peace and harmony of the oneness of
humanity is tolerant of all people."
"Wealth and status are what most people prefer, but if they are not in
harmony with wealth and status they will not acquire or maintain either.
Poverty and low status is what most people desire to avoid. People
do not reside in poverty and low status if they are not in harmony with
them.
If a person forgets his oneness with humanity, he will find it
difficult to achieve peace and harmony in his life. A person who truly
resides in peace and harmony never forgets her oneness with humanity for
even a moment.
People who remember their oneness with humanity flow in peace and
harmony whether they are at rest or whether they are surrounded by
turmoil."
"I have never met anyone who was totally committed to a peaceful and
harmonious life. Nor have I met anyone who was totally committed to
avoiding turmoil and contention.
A person who is totally committed to peace and harmony could not be
surpassed as an example of the oneness of all humanity. Anyone who was
committed to avoiding turmoil and contention also could not be surpassed
as an example of the oneness of all of humanity.
Is there anyone capable of completely devoting himself to peace and
harmony?
I have never met anyone who does not have the capability of living in
peace and harmony. These people may in fact exist but I have never met one
of them."
"People fail to achieve peace and harmony in all the areas of their
lives because they deal with the majority of things in the same way. If one
observes others, one can easily identify the reasons that a person has not
achieved peace and harmony in his life."
"A person who has achieved peace is not for or against anything. Her
priority is to see the harmony in everything."
"People who acknowledge their oneness with humanity value peace and
harmony and respect the law. People who do not acknowledge their oneness
are confused and value their land and respect the law only so long as it
does not interfere with their personal desires."
"If you lose sight of your oneness with humanity and become confused
in the pursuit of profit for the sake of profit, you will lose the good will
of others."
"When you observe someone who flows in peace and harmony, observe
her so that you may increase your own peace and harmony. When you see
someone who is confused, observe him so that you may avoid confusion."
"When one's parents are alive, one should remain nearby. If one
travels, she should make her destination known."
"If for three years after the death of her father, the daughter
follows in his footsteps, she can be said to be in harmony with the nature
of her father."
21. The teacher said,
"In past generations, people were hesitant to speak too much because
they were concerned that they could not live in accordance with their
words."
"One who resides in peace and harmony is deliberate in her speech and
prompt in her actions."
"Peace and harmony are seldom solitary, all things are drawn to them."
"If one is critical of one's boss, one falls into disfavor. If one is
critical of one's friends, one becomes estranged."
BOOK 5
1. Someone said,
He said,
"I cannot yet trust myself to faithfully fulfill the duties of that
office."
"If war prevailed in the nation and I was forced to put out to sea on a
raft, Tzu-lu would be the one to go with me. However, Tzu-lu would follow me
because he is adventuresome and full of courage and not necessarily
because he is in harmony with my motives."
Meng Wu Po said,
"Jan Yu would do well as the mayor of a city, but I cannot say whether
or not he is good."
Meng Wu Po said,
Tzu-kung said,
"I cannot begin to compare myself to Yen Hui because when he learns
one thing he automatically knows ten things. When I learn one thing I only
understand two.
"In truth," the teacher said, "you are not as intelligent as Yen Hui,
but neither am I."
"I have really never met anyone who was steadfast in his beliefs."
8. Tzu-kung said,
9. Someone said,
"You can learn about the teachers accomplishments and you can get
his views on how to live in society, but you cannot get his opinion on the
spiritual nature of human beings or his opinions on God and Heaven."
10. Tzu-lu was always concerned that before he could put into practice
something he had learned he would learn something else.
"In building a house for his tortoise, Tsang Wen-chung had hills
carved on the capitals of the pillars and a duckweed design painted on the
rafters. What is one to think of Tsang's knowledge and understanding?"
15. Tzu-chang asked the teacher about Ling Yin Tzu-wen who was
appointed to office three times but never showed any emotion. Neither did
he show any emotion when he was three times replaced in office. He always
did his job and was helpful to his successors.
The teacher said,
The teacher asked, "What does doing one's job have to do with being
good?"
"When the head of state was assassinated, Chen Wen Tzu abandoned his
property and left the nation. When he arrived at another nation he
determined that things were the same in that nation as at home and he left.
On arriving at a third nation, he again determined that things were the same
as at home and he again left. What do you think of him?
16. When the teacher was told of a person who considered something three
times before acting, he said,
"Twice is enough."
17. When the teacher was told of someone who acted with intelligence
when the nation flowed in peace and harmony but acted stupidly when the
nation flowed in disharmony and turmoil, the teacher said,
"Let us go home! Let us go home! Our young adults are ambitious but
unschooled in life. They have accomplished something great but they do not
know how to remain centered in peace and harmony after such
accomplishments."
"Po Yi and Shu Chi never dwelled on past wrongs committed against
them and so they seldom encountered ill will from others."
"Who said Wei-sheng Kao was honest? When someone asked to borrow
some wine, he borrowed it from someone else and gave it as if it was his
own."
22. The teacher asked Yen Hui and Tzu-lu about their desires.
Tzu-lu said,
"I desire not to boast about my abilities and I also desire not to
foist my hard work onto others."
BOOK 6
Chung-kung said,
"I can see how a person who disciplines himself but is easygoing with
others can function as a ruler. But I do not believe that one who is
easygoing with himself as well as with others would function well as a ruler.
"That is true."
2. Duke Ai asked the teacher which of his followers was fond of learning.
"Yen Hui was fond of learning. He did not vent his frustration on
others and he tried not to repeat his mistakes. Unfortunately, he died
young and so presently I know of no one who is truly fond of learning."
3. When Tzu-hua was sent on a mission, Jan Tzu asked for grain for
Tzu-hua's mother.
"When Tzu-hua departed, he was drawn by well fed horses and he wore
expensive furs. One helps those who are in need as opposed to those who
are well off."
"Should one reject a fine ox with a red coat and well formed horns
just because it is born of common stock? The hills and streams do not
distinguish its birth and reject it."
"He is able to stay centered in peace and harmony for months on end.
Others can only stay centered for only a day or a week."
7. Chi Kang Tzu asked whether Tzu-lu was qualified to hold office.
"Decline the offer diplomatically for me. I am going far away to the
other side of the River Wen if anyone needs me."
9. When Po-niu Keng was ill, the teacher went to see him. Holding his hand
through the window he said,
"He is going to die. It must be his destiny to die from this disease.
It must be his destiny."
"What an ideal role model of peace and harmony is Yen Hui. He lives in
the poorest section of the city and exists on little more than a bowl of
rice and a ladle of water each day. Yet, these conditions do not affect his
happiness. What a paragon of peace and harmony is he."
"I desire to achieve the peace and harmony of your teachings, but do
not possess the strength to achieve it."
"Remember your oneness with all things and become a person who flows
in peace and harmony. Forget your oneness with all things and become
confused in the manifestations of the Infinite."
Tzu-yu answered,
"There is one person I have met who never takes shorts cuts and only
comes to my office on official business."
"Meng chih Fan never brags about his deeds. When the army was in
retreat he stayed to the rear. But when he was near the city gate he
whipped up his horses and said. 'I didn't stay to the rear because of my
courage but because my horses are slow.'"
"Everyone realizes you enter a room by the door but only a few
recognize the door of oneness as the gateway to peace and harmony."
"If one does not value honesty in himself, he will find it impossible to
flow in peace and harmony."
"It is better to chose peace and harmony than to simply talk about it.
And it is better to love peace and harmony than to simply choose it."
20. The teacher said,
"To those who are educated, you can talk about ideals and
possibilities. But to those who are uneducated, you can only talk about
practicalities."
"A wise person prefers water. A person flowing in peace and harmony
prefers the mountains. A wise person becomes excited. A person flowing in
peace and harmony remains calm. A wise person experiences joy. A person
flowing in peace and harmony lives a long life."
"A single event can bring one from confusion to understanding. And a
single event can bring one from understanding to peace and harmony."
"If those who flow in peace and harmony prefer to be with others who
flow in peace and harmony, would a person of peace and harmony join another
person of peace and harmony who was at the bottom of a well?"
"Maybe."
25. The teacher said,
"A person who is well educated but can harmonize her education with
the rituals, customs and traditions of her society will surely flow in peace
and harmony."
26. When the teacher went to see Nan Tzu, Tzu-lu expressed his
disapproval.
"The value of peace and harmony within the individual and within
society is priceless and yet those who truly seek it out are few."
"What would you say about someone who was not only benevolent to her
friends and neighbors but was also benevolent to all of society? Would you
call her good?"
"Good is not the word. She would be called a sage because it would be
obvious that she felt at one with of all humanity and had made herself a
living example of peace and harmony. If one flows in peace and harmony,
those with whom she comes in contact begin to flow in peace and harmony.
Where she has succeeded, others around her begin to see the path to peace
and harmony and also succeed. To acknowledge the oneness of all of
humanity is the essence of peace and harmony."
BOOK 7
"I have quietly listened to and observed all that has gone on around
me. I have never grown tired of learning nor have I ever become bored with
teaching what I have learned. Learning and teaching have never been a
burden to me."
"Remember your oneness with all things, flow in peace and harmony,
care for all things, enjoy the beauty of the arts."
"I have never refused to teach anyone who has asked me to teach
them."
"I am only successful at teaching those who are truly eager to learn
and eager to speak. If I point out one corner of a square and one does not
attempt to come back with the other three. I do not continue the lesson."
8. When the teacher was seated close to someone who was in mourning, he
never ate his fill.
9. On the days that the teacher had mourned, he did not sing.
"Only you and I can follow the old adage of acting when employed and
staying out of sight when set aside."
"If you were in command of three armies, who would you take with you."
"I would not take anyone with me who would have no regrets if he died
trying to fight a tiger with his bare hands or drowned while crossing a
great river without a boat.
I would take someone who was apprehensive about engaging in a
dangerous task and was determined to succeed through planning."
12. The teacher concerned himself with the rituals of sacrifice, war and
sickness.
13. When the teacher heard the great masterpiece he did not notice the
taste of meat for three months and said,
"I did not realize that the harmony of music could reach such
exquisite perfection."
"Give me a few more years and I will have studied for fifty years and I
may be able to eliminate my major shortcomings."
16. When the Duke of She asked Tzu-lu about the teacher, Tzu-lu did not
respond.
"Why didn't you say, 'the teacher becomes so caught up in his pursuits
that he forgets to eat, is so attuned to peace and harmony that he forgets
about his anxieties, and that he is unaware of the fact that he is growing
old.'"
18. The teacher very seldom spoke of miracles, unseen forces, chaos or
spirits.
"I realize that you think I am keeping something from you, but it is not
true. I am not keeping anything from you. I share everything with you. If I
didn't, I wouldn't be a teacher."
22. The teacher had four basic subjects: culture, peaceful and
harmonious conduct, loyalty and trustworthiness.
"A person who flows in perfect peace and harmony with the oneness of
Infinity, I will never meet. The most I can hope for is to meet a person who
recognizes her oneness with all of humanity and refrains from judging
others.
A faultless person I will never meet. The most I can hope for is to
meet a person who is in harmony with her circumstances. However, when I
look around, I see people pretending to have things when they have nothing,
pretending to be full when they are empty and pretending prosperity when
their debts exceed their assets. A person in harmony with his
circumstances is hard to find."
24. The teacher fished with a line but not with a net and when he hunted
he did not shoot at roosting birds.
"There are surely some people who can do things without having
studied them, but I am not one of those people. I listen and select the
peaceful and the harmonious and try to incorporate it into my life. I see
things and try to understand and remember what I have seen. This is the
basis of learning."
"I am not concerned with his age or his past or what he may do in the
future. I am in harmony with his desire to learn."
"Is peace and harmony really so far away? When we really desire it, it
manifests."
29. When the teacher was singing with his friends and he heard a new song
he liked, he always asked to hear it a second time before he joined in.
"People who acknowledge their oneness with humanity flow in peace and
harmony. Those who have forgotten their oneness with humanity are
confused and full of tension and anxiety."
34. The teacher was friendly but dignified, outstanding but not
intimidating, respectful yet at ease.
BOOK 8
3. When Zeng Tzu was very ill, he called his students and said,
4. Tseng Tzu was seriously ill when Meng Ching Tzu came to visit him.
Tseng Tzu said,
"The last song of a dying bird is sad, the last words of a dying man
are noteworthy.
There are three things that are characteristic of a person who flows
in peace and harmony with society.
In every facet of her life she avoids violence and self-righteousness. She
maintains a sense of trustworthiness by the
expression on her face. In her speech, she avoids being vulgar or rude.
As for as funeral arrangements are concerned, there are those whose
business it is to take care of these matters.
"I had a friend who was very well educated and experienced but
without hesitation consulted those who were less educated and experienced
than herself. She was very talented and gifted yet was open to others who
were less talented and gifted. She was well off but lived a simple life. She
was overflowing yet appeared at first glance to be empty. And when she was
wronged she never sought retribution."
"A person who is at one with society must be broad shouldered and
stout of heart for the burden of life can be heavy. She is committed to
harmony which is not easily maintained but is the key to peace. And since
death is the only end of her life's journey, she acknowledges that she has a
long way to go."
"The people can be forced to live in peace and harmony even when they
do not acknowledge their oneness with all of humanity."
"Even people who are not courageous will rebel if suffering from
hunger and poverty. Excessive hatred for inhumane leaders will also
provoke rebellion. Indeed, only the very few that can flow in the peace and
harmony of great suffering will not rebel."
"It is hard to find a person who will study something for three years
that will not lead to gainful employment."
13. The teacher said,
"Be of unwavering good faith, pursue learning and flow in peace and
harmony by acknowledging your oneness with humanity. Cautiously enter a
nation in peril and do not remain in a nation that is in danger. Flow in peace
and harmony whether or not the nation as a whole flows in peace and
harmony. If a nation is flowing in peace and harmony and you are poor and
subservient, then you are out of sync with the nation. On the other hand if
you are rich and self-righteous when the nation does not flow in peace and
harmony, you have become confused and forgotten your oneness with
humanity."
"I do not understand people who are headstrong but tricky, childlike
but insincere, candid but not trustworthy."
"It was extraordinary the way Shun and Yu ruled the empire and yet
remained detached from the arrogance of absolute sovereignty."
BOOK 9
"The teacher is a man of great knowledge and wisdom but he has no job
skills for earning a living."
"The rituals prescribe a linen cap but today the majority of people
wear black silk instead. This is economical and I follow the majority. The
rituals prescribe bowing before entering a sanctuary but presently people
bow after they enter. This seems to me to be arrogant and so I go against
the majority and bow before entering."
Tzu-kung said,
"The grand minister knows about my life. When I was young, I was poor
and I acquired many menial skills in order to survive. He is correct in his
observation. Generally, men of noble birth have few menial skills."
"I do not consider myself a man of wisdom. But when anyone asks me a
question, regardless of his station in life, I am prepared to thoroughly
discuss all the pros and cons."
11. When the teacher was very ill, Tzu-lu made some of the students
appear to be formal death attendants like those assigned to
38. state
officials.
" I would sell it. I myself would rather hold public office as opposed
to remaining secluded."
13. The teacher expressed a desire to settle among the Nine Barbarian
Tribes of the east. Someone said, wouldn't it be hard to put up with their
barbaric ways.
"If a man of peace and harmony settled among them, would they remain
barbaric?"
"It is possible for one to seem immortal like this stream which goes on
and on, day and night?"
"I have never meet anyone whose desire for peace and harmony was
remotely equal to his desire for sex."
"There are always some sprouts that grow but never flower and
others that flower but never bear fruit."
"If one admits the value and truth of the proven ancient wisdom but
does not act on it, what good is it? If one agrees with the desirability of
peace and harmony but does not try to incorporate it into one's everyday
life, what is the point of admitting its desirability?"
"If the Three Armies are deprived of their commander, they become a
mob, but an ordinary person cannot be deprived of her purpose."
"If anyone could wear old clothes and stand unashamed by others
dressed in their fox and badger furs, it would be Tzu-lu.
Neither envious or greedy, surely he resides in peace."
When the teacher discovered Tzu-kung repeating these words over and
over, he said,
"Only when the weather turns cold can we observe that the pine and
the cypress are the last to lose their leaves."
"She that flows in peace and harmony is seldom unhappy. She who is in
harmony with wisdom is seldom confused. She who is in harmony with
courage
is seldom afraid."
"There are those who make a good study partner but would not be a
good partner in life. There are those who would make a good partner in life
but with whom one cannot take a stand on certain issues. There are those
with whom one can join in taking a stand on certain issues and yet not be in
harmony with his or her overall philosophy."
"He probably didn't really think of her because if he did, the distance
would not have mattered."
BOOK 10
1. In his local community the teacher lived a simple life and seemed
ordinary and inarticulate; but in the ancestral temple and at court he
spoke fluently but chose his words carefully.
3. When the stables caught fire, the teacher on returning from court
asked;
BOOK 11
"Surely Min Tzu-chien is a man who is in harmony with his family because no
one has ever heard his family say anything but good things about him."
4. When Yen Hui died, Yen Lu asked the teacher to give him his carriage in
order to buy an enclosure for Yen Hui's coffin.
5. When Yen Hui died, the teacher cried without restraint and his students
accused him of over reacting.
"If the death of anyone could justify my over reacting, it was Yen Hui."
6. When Yen Hui died, his fellow students wanted to give him an elaborate
funeral. The teacher objected but the students gave him an elaborate funeral
anyway.
"Yen Hui treated me like a father but I have not treated him like a son.
However, this was not my fault, but that of his fellow students."
7. Tzu-lu inquired as to how one should pay respects to spirits and divinities.
The teacher said,
"You have not even learned how to live in peace and harmony with your
neighbors. Why are you concerned about spirits and divinities?"
"You have not even learned how to live in peace and harmony with the living.
Why are concerned about the dead?"
8. When attending to the teacher, Min Tzu appeared respectful and upright,
Tzu-lu appeared resolute, Jan Yu and Tzu-kung appeared courteous. The
teacher was pleased.
9. When the people of Lu were working on the Long Treasury, Min Tzu-chien
said,
"Min Tzu-chien is a man of few words but when he speaks, he's right on point."
"Shih goes too far and Shang does not go far enough."
Tzu-kung said,
"There is no difference between going too far and not going far enough."
11. The Chi family was wealthier than the Duke of Chou and Jan Yu not only
collected rent for them but also raised the rents.
"Yen Hui lives a simple life and flows in peace and harmony. Tzu-kung is often
confused in the pursuit of wealth but when he relaxes, he remembers the path to
peace and harmony."
"No person follows in the steps of another. It is only by turning one's thoughts
into one's self that the path becomes clear."
"He knows the words and is conversant about the way of peace and harmony
but whether or not he has made the words a part of himself can only be
determined by observing his behavior."
15. Tzu-lu asked the teacher if one should immediately put into practice
what one hears.
"No"
"Yes"
Kung-hsi Hua who had heard the teacher answer both men confronted
him in regards to his answers.
16. When the teacher was under attack at Kuang, Yen Hui fell behind. When
Yen Hiu caught up, the teacher said,
"Do you think I am going to die while you are still alive."
17. Chi Tzu-jan asked if Tzu-lu and Jan Yu could be called great public
officials.
Tzu-lu said,
"He will be in charge of the people there, the altars and the
granaries. He will learn from these experiences the same as he will learn
from books."
"Your words are persuasive but I think you know you have distorted
the truth."
19. When Tzu-lu, Tseng Hsi, Jan Yu and Kung-hsi Hua were attending the
teacher he said,
Jan Yu said,
"I will not claim the ability to do this but I could be trained for it.
In the Temple ceremonies and at diplomatic gatherings I would like to
work for a minor official in charge of protocol dressed in my official and
ceremonial caps and robes."
Tseng Hsi stopped playing the zither, put it down, stood up and said,
"At the end of spring, when the new clothes have been made, I would
like to go with five or six young men and six or seven boys to the River Yi
and go swimming, enjoy the breeze on the Rain Altar and then go home
singing."
When the others left, Tseng Hsi asked the teacher what he thought
about what the others had said.
BOOK 12
"See the oneness of humanity, hear the oneness of humanity, when you
speak, remember your oneness with humanity, when you move, remember your
oneness with humanity."
"When you are away from home, act as if you were with an important
guest. When you employ the common people, act as if you were in charge of
an important event. Treat other people as you like to be treated. If you
do this, you will not provoke ill will toward yourself with anyone."
Chung-kung said,
4. Ssu-ma Niu asked the teacher about a person who flows in peace and
harmony.
"A person who flows in peace and harmony neither worries nor is
afraid."
Ssu-ma said,
"No worries or fears, is that all there is to flowing in peace and
harmony?"
"If a person acknowledges her oneness with humanity, what worries and
fears could she have?"
Tzu-hsia said,
"I have heard it said that these things are a matter of destiny.
However, if a man acknowledges his oneness with all of humanity and flows in
peace and harmony, if he is respectful and courteous towards others and
observes the rituals and traditions, then all men are his brothers and all
the women are his sisters. Why should one be distressed at not having
biological brothers or sisters."
"Make sure the people have enough food and weapons for defense and
the people will trust in the government."
Tzu-kung asked,
"If you had to give up one of the three which would it be?
The teacher said,
"Weapons."
Tzu-kung continued,
"If you had no choice but to give up one of the remaining two, which
would it be?"
Tzu-kung said,
"I am sorry you say things like that because due to your social
status others will repeat what you have said.
In truth, it is education and experience that distinguishes people
from each other. If you were to shave a tiger or a panther the hide looks
the same as a dog or a sheep. If you remove a person's education and
experience, what you have left is a human being."
"Last year was a bad year due to a bad harvest and so the taxes are
inadequate to cover my expenses. What can I do?"
Yu Tzu said,
Are you not taxing the people ten percent of their income?"
Duke Ai said,
"When the people have plenty, the government will also have plenty.
But when the people are starving and unemployed, how can the government
expect to carry on business as usual?"
10. Tzu-chang asked about achieving peace and harmony and avoiding
confusion.
"Let the ruler be the ruler, the subjects be subjects, the father and
mother be parents and the sons and daughter be children."
"Excellent!" said the Duke. "Indeed if the ruler does not rule or the
subjects are not allowed to go about their business or the fathers and
mothers are denied being parents or the sons and daughters are denied
being children, there can be no peace and harmony in the nation."
"I can preside over a civil case as well as any judge. But it would be
better if matters could be resolved before they reached the courthouse."
"A person who flows in peace and harmony acknowledges the positive
qualities in others and does not distinguish their shortcomings. A person
who has forgotten his oneness with humanity is confused in self-righteousness
and judges others."
"To govern, a ruler must be in harmony with the people. If the ruler
flows in peace and harmony himself, the people will also flow in peace and
harmony."
"If you did not desire the same things that are subject to being
stolen, you could not pay the thief to take them."
17. Chi Kang tzu asked the teacher about government, saying,
"Your job is to administer the government, not to kill all the people.
If you acknowledge your oneness with the people and flow in peace and
harmony, the people will also flow in peace and harmony.
The nature of a ruler is like that of the wind and the nature of the
people is like the grass. When the wind blows over the grass, the grass is
sure to bend."
Tzu-chang answered,
"To be well known whether employed by the nation or the ruling family."
19. One day, when Fan Chih was attending the teacher near the Rain Dance
altar, he said,
"May I ask about increasing the level of peace and harmony in society,
reducing the amount of tension and conflict and knowing when I am confused."
"When you put the straight over the crooked, then the crooked become
straight."
"I just had an audience with the teacher and I asked him about a wise
ruler. He said, 'When you put the straight over the crooked, then the
crooked become straight.' What did he mean?"
Tzu-hsia said,
"In good faith, teach them what they need to know and guide them to
the best of your ability. If you are unsuccessful, then move on. It is not
your job to help everyone; but only those who are receptive to what you
have to teach."
"By flowing in peace and harmony one collects friends and with those
friends, one increases the peace and harmony in society."
BOOK 13
"Ceaselessly."
Chung-kung asked.
"Consider those you know and others will not fail to bring to your
attention those who you don't know."
3. Fan Chih asked the teacher about farming.
If the leaders are in harmony with rituals and traditions, the people
will be respectful.
If the leaders are concerned with what is fair and just, the people
will not be insubordinate.
If the leaders are trustworthily in performing their duties, the
people will be honest and sincere.
If leaders are like this, then people from everywhere will flock to
them with their children in tow."
"A person may be able to recite the ancient wisdom from beginning to
end, but if when appointed to public office, cannot perform the duties of
that office or if asked particular questions regarding the day to day
application of the ancient wisdom cannot answer, then what is the value of
being able to recite the ancient wisdom."
6. The teacher said of Prince Ching of Wei that he was in harmony with
his dwelling.
7. When the teacher traveled to Wei, Jan Yu drove him. The teacher said,
Jan Yu said,
"Make sure the people have the opportunity to meet their basic needs.
"
"If someone would employ me for a year, I could make a difference. And
if someone employed me for three years, I could accomplish anything."
"There is a lot of truth in the saying, 'If a nation was ruled for a
hundred years by people who flowed in peace and harmony, conflict, cruelty
and murder would be significantly reduced.'"
"When a person of peace and harmony rules the nation, the level of
peace and harmony among the people increases."
"Once a person flows in peace and harmony, she will have no trouble
performing the duties of public office. If a person does not flow in peace
and harmony, then he will find it difficult to serve the people."
12. Duke Ting asked if there was one saying that could lead a nation to
prosperity.
Then Duke Ting asked if there was one saying that could lead a nation
to ruin.
The only joy I have in being a ruler is that no one challenges what I
say.
If what the ruler says promotes peace and harmony and no one
challenges him, that is alright. But if what he says will create chaos and
tension among the people and no one challenges him, then surely the nation
could be led to ruin."
13. The Duke of She asked about sound government.
"It exists when those within the nation flow in peace and harmony and
those from other nations seek to immigrate."
14. When Tzu hsia was an official of Chu fu, he asked for advice in
governing.
"The majority of people are prepared to lie for their parents and
their children. Both situations leave something to be desired."
17. Tzu-kung asked for a description of someone who flows in peace and
harmony.
"The person who flows in peace and harmony associates with those
with whom she is in harmony and does not pretend to conform with those with
whom she is not in harmony for the sake of association.
People who are confused, adopt the demeanor and attitudes of
whoever they wish to associate with, regardless of whether they are in
harmony with those others."
"No."
"No. However, the best path is one where those who flow in peace and
harmony desire to associate with you and those who are confused in tension
and disharmony tend to avoid you."
"Those who flow in peace and harmony are easy to work for but hard to
please. They are easy to work for because they do not expect more of
people then they are capable of. They are hard to please because they
expect people to always flow in peace and harmony.
Those who are confused, are hard to work for but easy to please.
They are hard to work for because they expect perfection from everyone.
They are easy to please because they are not concerned with whether one
flows in peace and harmony or not."
"People who flow in peace and harmony maintain their dignity without
being arrogant. People who are confused, tend to be arrogant and are
generally unconcerned about maintaining their dignity."
"Those who flow in peace and harmony are firmly grounded in peace and
harmony; are determined to preserve their peace and harmony; simple in
their lifestyles; and reluctant to embrace anything which is detrimental to
the maintenance peace and harmony."
24. Tzu-lu asked what a person who flows in peace and harmony is like.
BOOK 14
"A person who flows in peace and harmony but spends the majority of
his time at home, benefits no one."
"If a nation flows in peace and harmony, be yourself and speak freely.
If a nation does not flow in peace and harmony, be yourself but be prudent
in your speech."
"Yi was an outstanding archer and Ao had the strength to pull a boat
over dry land and yet both of them died violently.
On the other hand, Yu and Chi were simple farmers who personally
sowed and harvested their crops and yet came to possess everything
worthwhile."
"There are people who are benevolent but do not flow in peace and
harmony. But there are no people who flow in peace and harmony that are
not benevolent."
"If you love someone, you will not deny them the dignity of earning a
living. If you are loyal to someone, you will offer to teach her what you
know."
"When Kuan Chung seized three hundred villages from Po, Po never
uttered a word of resentment even though he lived on coarse food for the
rest of his life."
12. The teacher asked Kung-ming Chia about his master Kung-shu Wen-tzu,
saying,
"I don't believe that Kuan Chung was a good man. When Duke Huan
murdered his brother Prince Chiu, Kuan Chung not only did not give his life
to protect the Prince, but later he also helped Duke Huan who had committed
murder."
The teacher said,
"Through the help of Kuan Chung, Duke Huan was able to unite and
restore the Empire as well as to manifest peace and harmony. If it were not
for Kuan Chung, we would not have the freedom that we presently enjoy.
Obviously, Kuan Chung operates under a philosophy that is contrary
to that of the average person. However, whether or not Kuan Chung is a
good man, I do not know."
"Those who flow in peace and harmony can influence those above them.
Those who are confused can only influence those below them."
19. Chu Po-yu sent a messenger to the teacher. The teacher sat with the
messenger and asked him what his master was doing.
"My master tries to reduce the number of his shortcomings but so far
has been unable to make much progress."
"It is better if a person does not let his words exceed his abilities."
"A person who flows in peace and harmony does not expect deceit or
presume bad faith but is aware of them when they manifest."
25. Wei-sheng Mu said to the teacher,
"Why do you move around so much? Surely it is only to show off your
knowledge."
"My purpose is not to be clever but to try to sow the seeds of peace
and harmony. As far as moving around so much; when I can do all I can in a
particular place, I move on."
"A good horse is not acknowledged for its physical strength, but for
its inner strength."
Tzu-kung responded,
"I am not as frustrated as I may sound. But the truth is that even
though I study the basics, I discover universal truths. I suppose only the
universe can understand me."
29. Kung-po Liao spoke disparagingly against Tzu-lu's employer, the Chi
family.
Tzu-lu said to the teacher,
"I am concerned that the Chi family has been greatly disturbed by
what Kung-po Liao has said. However, I believe I still have enough
influence to have Kung-po Liao's carcass exposed in the market place."
"If the people are to flow in peace and harmony, they will, and if they
are not destined to flow in peace and harmony, they won't. Only time will
tell if Kung-po is in harmony with the people."
30. Tzu-lu spent the night at the Stone Gate. The gatekeeper asked
where he had come from and Tzu-lu said from the teacher's home.
"I know of your teacher. He is the one who continues to try to bring
about peace and harmony even when everyone knows its impossible."
31. The teacher was playing the stone chimes in Wei where he was staying.
A man carrying a basket passed by and said,
"That is good advice and as you have noticed, I am in harmony with it."
"As long as the ruler is in harmony with the people, the people will be
easy to govern."
33. Tzu-lu asked about a person who flows in peace and harmony.
Tzu-lu said,
"She acknowledges her oneness with humanity and manifests peace and
harmony in the whole world."
34. A young man sat waiting on the teacher. When the teacher arrived he
noticed the youth's lack of respect and said,
BOOK 15
"I have some knowledge regarding the use of sacrificial vessels but I
have no knowledge regarding military tactics."
2. When the teacher and his followers were in Chen, they ran out of food
and became so weak they could not easily get up.
"Those who flow in peace and harmony are in harmony with hunger. Only
those who are confused lose sight of the path when faced with adversity."
Tzu-kung said,
"You're correct?"
"It is true that I inquire into many things but I use the common string
of peace and harmony to determine what I will retain."
"Those who acknowledge their oneness with humanity and truly flow in
peace and harmony are few."
"If there was anyone who achieved peace and harmony in the nation by
non-action, it was Shun. He simply faced south and assumed a posture of
peace and harmony."
"Be loyal and trustworthy in everything you say and be sincere and
considerate in everything you do and you will get along with people
throughout the world. On the other hand, if you are not loyal and
trustworthy in everything you say and sincere and considerate in
everything you do, it will be difficult to get along with even your
neighbors.
See these principles before you when standing, riding in your
carriage and at all times and you will certainly get along with people
wherever you go.
Tzu-chang inscribed these words on his belt so that he would never
lose sight of them.
"Shih Yu was indeed steadfast. When peace and harmony permeated the
nation he flowed in peace and harmony. When peace and harmony ceased to
flow in the nation, he continued to flow in peace and harmony.
Chu Po-yu was indeed principled. When peace and harmony permeated
the land, he accepted political appointments. When peace and harmony did
not permeate the land, he stayed home."
"A person who does not consider the future finds peace and harmony
difficult to achieve."
"If you expect much from yourself and little from others, you will
surely flow in peace and harmony."
"I have little to give to those who are not continuously searching for
answers."
"Those who acknowledge their oneness with humanity flow in the peace
and harmony of that oneness. Humility is the simplicity of their lives and
good faith with all people is their method of maintaining peace and
harmony."
"A person who flows in peace and harmony is satisfied with her
accomplishments, is not contentious and recognizes that people are
individuals and not the groups to which they belong."
20. The teacher said,
"A person who flows in peace and harmony does not accept a person
solely on what he says and does not reject what a person says simply
because of who he or she is."
"A person can increase the flow of peace and harmony but peace and
harmony can never elevate a person above others."
"A person who flows in peace and harmony focuses on peace and
harmony and not on hunger or well being. If one farms the land, crops may
fail and hunger may manifest. If one acquires an education, one may still
live in poverty. Only the pursuit of peace and harmony manifests
consistent results."
"Peace and harmony are more benevolent than fire and water. I have
seen people die by fire and water but never by peace and harmony."
"When flowing in peace and harmony, one does not need to defer to
anyone for examples; not even the teacher."
"A person who flows in peace and harmony is steadfast in her pursuit
of peace and harmony but not inflexible. One cannot flow in peace and
harmony if one is inflexible."
33. The teacher said,
"In speaking, all that matters is that one clearly express herself."
36. On an occasion the teacher entertained a blind person. When the blind
person reached the steps to the house, the teacher said, "You are at the
steps." When she reached the mat, the teacher said, "You have reached the
mat." When everyone was seated, the teacher said to her, "So-and-so is
here and so-and-so is there."
"Yes."
BOOK 16
"There are three types of friendship that are beneficial and three
that are detrimental.
Those which are honorable, trustworthy and well-informed are
beneficial.
Those which are charming, unprincipled and clever in their speech are
detrimental."
2. The teacher said,
"There are three types of pleasure that are beneficial and three
that are detrimental.
Taking pleasure in the arts, taking pleasure in discussing people of
accomplishment both living and dead, and the pleasure of having a large
number of friends who flow in peace and harmony are pleasures that are
beneficial.
It is detrimental to take pleasure in showing off, to take pleasure in
a self-indulgent life style and to take pleasure in excessive eating and
drinking."
"There are three things which a person who flows in peace and harmony
should guard against.
In his youth when his life force is unstable, he should guard against
overindulgence in sex.
In his prime, when his life force is strong and stable, he should guard
against being contentious.
In his old age when his life force is declining, he should guard against
greed."
"There are three things a person who flows in peace and harmony
carefully considers; his destiny, the lives of extraordinary people and the
wisdom of the sages.
A person who is confused does not consider his destiny, discounts the
lives of extraordinary people and ignores the wisdom of the sages."
"'If I see something that flows in peace and harmony, I act as if I will
not get my share. If I see something that does not flow in peace and
harmony, I act as if I were testing hot water.' I have met people who act
like this.
'I live in seclusion in order to achieve my goals and I do what is right
in order to increase the flow of peace and harmony.' I have heard people
say this, but I have never seen anyone live it."
"Duke Ching of Chi had a thousand teams of horses and died a wealthy
man but no one could remember any of his good deeds.
Po Yi and Shu Chi fasted for peace and harmony at the foot of Mount
Shou Yang three hundred years ago and the people still sing their praises."
"As the teacher's son, surely you have been given teachings that are
denied myself and the other followers.
Po-yu said,
"I asked one question of the teacher's son but received three
answers. I learned about the ancient wisdom. I learned about rituals and
traditions and I discovered that the teacher gives no special
consideration to his son when it comes to teaching."
BOOK 17
"It is the most intelligent and the most ignorant that find it difficult
to change."
"What Tzu-yu has said in true. I was joking about the ox-knife."
"Anyone who can put the five qualities into practice will surely flow
in peace and harmony."
5. The teacher asked Tzu-lu if he had ever heard the six sayings about
the six hidden consequences.
Tzu-lu replied,
"No, never."
"My young friends, why have you not studied the ancient wisdom?
The ancient wisdom will stimulate the imagination, help one observe
the world, teach social skills and help one express grievances.
The ancient wisdom can be used in the home to serve one's family and
outside the home to manifest peace and harmony.
Further, it imports much knowledge regarding one's relationship to
the earth."
"If you do not study the ancient wisdom, you will be like a person
standing with his face to a wall."
"Ritual is more than the presentation of jade and silk. Music is more
than bells and drums.
"Those who do not flow in peace and harmony and are confused in their
desire to hold public office, worry constantly until they obtain what they
want. When they obtain what they want, they constantly worry about losing
it. And since they constantly worry about losing it, there is little they
are not willing to do in order to keep from losing it."
"Long ago the people had three weaknesses whose manifestations have
changed.
In the old days, impatience led to recklessness, today it leads to
tension and disharmony.
In the old days, arrogance led to intransigence, today it leads to
animosity.
In the old days, foolishness led to straight forwardness, today it
leads to craftiness."
"It is out of the ordinary for clever words and a charming demeanor to
manifest peace and harmony."
Tzu-kung said,
"If you did not speak, how would we pass on your thoughts."
"The earth does not speak and yet the four seasons come a