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Let us continue with Book 5 of the “Confucian Analects,” a collection of teachings and philosophy by Master Confucius compiled by His disciples, and translated by James Legge. The wise Master’s teachings detail that being virtuous is shown through our actions and character.BOOK 5. KUNG-YE CH’ANG. CHAPTER 8 “The Master said to Tsze-kung, ‘Which do you consider superior, yourself or Hui?’ Tsze-kung replied, ‘How dare I compare myself with Hui? Hui hears one point and knows all about a subject; I hear one point, and know a second.’ The Master said, ‘You are not equal to him. I grant you, you are not equal to him.’” CHAPTER 9 “Tsai Yu being asleep during the daytime, the Master said, ‘Rotten wood cannot be carved; a wall of dirty earth will not receive the trowel. This Yu! What is the use of my reproving him?’ The Master said, ‘At first, my way with men was to hear their words, and give them credit for their conduct. Now my way is to hear their words, and look at their conduct. It is from Yu that I have learned to make this change.’” CHAPTER 10 “The Master said, ‘I have not seen a firm and unbending man.’ Someone replied, ‘There is Shan Ch’ang.’ ‘Ch’ang,’ said the Master, ‘is under the influence of his passions; how can he be pronounced firm and unbending?’” CHAPTER 11 “Tsze-kung said, ‘What I do not wish men to do to me, I also wish not to do to men.’ The Master said, ‘Ts’ze, you have not attained to that.’” CHAPTER 12 “Tsze-kung said, ‘The Master’s personal displays of his principles and ordinary descriptions of them may be heard. His discourses about man’s nature, and the way of Heaven, cannot be heard.’” CHAPTER 14 “Tsze-kung asked, saying, ‘On what ground did Kung-wan get that title of Wan?’ The Master said, ‘He was of an active nature and yet fond of learning, and he was not ashamed to ask and learn of his inferiors! On these grounds, he has been styled Wan.’” CHAPTER 15 “The Master said of Tsze-ch’an that he had four of the characteristics of a superior man: in his conduct of himself, he was humble; in serving his superiors, he was respectful; in nourishing the people, he was kind; in ordering the people, he was just.” CHAPTER 16 “The Master said, ‘Yen P’ing knew well how to maintain friendly intercourse. The acquaintance might be long, but he showed the same respect as at first.’”
