Analects · Chapter
Book II: Wei Chang explained
In this chapter, Confucius emphasizes the importance of virtue in governance, filial piety, and the pursuit of learning.
What happens
In this chapter, Confucius emphasizes the importance of virtue in governance, filial piety, and the pursuit of learning. He discusses how a ruler should lead by moral example, the nature of true filial conduct, and the value of self-cultivation. The chapter also includes dialogues on the qualities of the superior man, the importance of sincerity, and the need to balance learning with thought.
Themes in this chapter
Virtuous Governance
Confucius compares a virtuous ruler to the north polar star, and discusses how advancing the upright leads to submission.
Filial Piety
Multiple dialogues explore the proper conduct of filial piety, including serving parents according to propriety and the importance of reverence.
Learning and Knowledge
Confucius describes his own journey of learning and emphasizes the importance of knowing what you know and what you do not know.
The Superior Man
Discussions on the qualities of the superior man, including being catholic and not partisan, and acting before speaking.
Characters to notice
- Confucius
Central figure, offering teachings on governance, filial piety, and learning.
- Mang Î
Asks about filial piety, receiving the answer 'not being disobedient.'
- Fan Ch’ih
Drives Confucius and asks for clarification on the meaning of filial piety.
- Mang Wû-po
Inquires about filial piety, and Confucius responds about parental concern for children's health.
- Tsze-yû
Asks about filial piety, and Confucius stresses the importance of reverence over mere support.
- Tsze-hsiâ
Asks about filial piety, and Confucius highlights the difficulty of maintaining a proper countenance.
- Yen Hûi
Praised by Confucius for his ability to illustrate teachings despite appearing slow.
- Tsze-kung
Asks what constitutes the superior man, and Confucius replies about acting before speaking.
Key passages
“He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.”
A ruler who governs through virtue is like the North Star, which remains fixed while all other stars revolve around it.
This metaphor emphasizes the power of moral example in leadership.
“At fifteen, I had my mind bent on learning. At thirty, I stood firm. At forty, I had no doubts. At fifty, I knew the decrees of Heaven. At sixty, my ear was an obedient organ for the reception of truth. At seventy, I could follow what my heart desired, without transgressing what was right.”
Confucius outlines his spiritual and intellectual development, from a focus on learning in youth to a state of perfect harmony with righteousness in old age.
This passage illustrates the lifelong process of self-cultivation.
“The filial piety of nowadays means the support of one's parents. But dogs and horses likewise are able to do something in the way of support;—without reverence, what is there to distinguish the one support given from the other?”
Simply providing for parents is not enough; true filial piety requires reverence, which distinguishes human support from that of animals.
Confucius stresses the importance of attitude and inner feeling in filial conduct.
“Learning without thought is labour lost; thought without learning is perilous.”
Studying without reflecting leads to confusion, while thinking without studying is dangerous.
This highlights the need for a balance between acquiring knowledge and critical thinking.
