Chapter 1: 学而第一 — Lunyu — Taiyi Pavilion Chapter 1: 学而第一
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📂 太乙閣📄 第 1 页
The Master said, “To learn and then practice it at the right time—is this not a joy? To have friends come from afar—is this not a delight? To remain unresentful when others do not recognize your worth—is this not the mark of a noble person?” Youzi said, “A person who is filial to parents and respectful to elders yet likes to defy those above them—such a person is rare. One who does not like to defy those above yet likes to stir up disorder has never existed. The noble person focuses on the root; once the root is established, the Way unfolds. Filial piety and respect for elders—are these not the very root of humaneness?” The Master said, “Honeyed words and ingratiating expressions—such people rarely possess true humaneness.” Zengzi said, “Each day I examine myself on three points: In acting for others, have I been loyal? In dealing with friends, have I been trustworthy? In receiving teachings, have I practiced them?” The Master said, “To govern a state of a thousand chariots, one must be diligent in affairs and trustworthy, moderate in spending and care for the people, and employ the people at the proper seasons.”
The Master said, “A young person should be filial at home and respectful abroad, cautious and trustworthy, love all people broadly, and draw close to those who are humane. After doing all this, if they have energy left, let them study the arts and culture.”
Zixia said, “One who values virtue over physical beauty, who exhausts their strength in serving parents, who gives their very self in serving the ruler, and who is trustworthy in words with friends—even if such a person is said to have never studied, I would insist they have truly learned.”
The Master said, “If a noble person is not dignified, they will not inspire respect. Learning prevents rigidity. Make loyalty and trustworthiness your foundation. Have no friends who are not your equal in character. If you make a mistake, do not be afraid to correct it.”
Zengzi said, “Treat the end of life with reverence and remember the distant ancestors—then the people’s virtue will return to fullness.”
Ziqin asked Zigong, “When the Master arrives in a state, he always learns about its governance. Does he seek this information, or is it offered to him?” Zigong replied, “The Master obtains it through being gentle, good, respectful, frugal, and yielding. The way the Master seeks it—is it not different from how others seek it?” The Master said, “When the father is alive, observe the son’s intentions; when the father has passed, observe the son’s actions. If for three years he does not deviate from the father’s way, he may be called filial.”
Youzi said, “In the practice of ritual, harmony is the most valuable. This is the beauty of the ancient kings’ Way, and it guides both small and great matters. But when harmony is pursued for its own sake without being regulated by ritual, it cannot truly work.”
Youzi said, “When trustworthiness is close to what is right, one’s words can be fulfilled. When respect is close to ritual, one avoids shame and disgrace. When one does not lose the support of those close to them, they can be relied upon.”
The Master said, “A noble person does not seek to eat their fill, nor seek comfort in their dwelling. They are diligent in action and cautious in speech. They draw near to those who have the Way and seek correction from them. Such a person can truly be said to love learning.”
Zigong said, “What do you think of being poor without flattery, and rich without arrogance?” The Master replied, “That is acceptable. But it is better to be poor yet joyful, and rich yet fond of ritual.”
Zigong said, “The Book of Songs says, ‘Like cutting and filing, like carving and polishing’—is this what you mean?” The Master said, “Ah, Zigong, now I can begin to discuss the Songs with you. I tell you one thing, and you understand what follows.”
The Master said, “Do not worry that others do not know you; worry that you do not know others.”