Analects · Chapter
Book IV: Le Jin explained
In this chapter, Confucius emphasizes the centrality of virtue in personal conduct and governance.
What happens
In this chapter, Confucius emphasizes the centrality of virtue in personal conduct and governance. He discusses the importance of dwelling in virtuous neighborhoods, the nature of the superior man who cleaves to virtue in all circumstances, and the necessity of propriety in ruling. He also touches on filial piety, the value of learning, and the dangers of self-interest.
Themes in this chapter
Virtuous Governance
Confucius emphasizes that a ruler should govern with the complaisance proper to the rules of propriety, and that virtue is essential for a well-ordered state.
Filial Piety
The chapter includes teachings on serving parents with reverence, not altering the father's ways for three years, and remembering parents' ages with joy and fear.
The Superior Man
Confucius describes the superior man as one who cleaves to virtue in all situations, thinks of righteousness, and is slow in speech but earnest in conduct.
Characters to notice
- Confucius
Delivers teachings on virtue, propriety, and the superior man.
- Tsǎng Shǎn
Receives Confucius's doctrine of all-pervading unity and explains it to other disciples.
- Tsze-yû
Comments on serving a prince and friendship, highlighting the consequences of frequent remonstrances.
Key passages
“It is virtuous manners which constitute the excellence of a neighborhood. If a man in selecting a residence, does not fix on one where such prevail, how can he be wise?”
The quality of a community is determined by its virtue. A wise person will choose to live where virtue is practiced.
Confucius stresses the importance of environment in cultivating virtue.
“If a man in the morning hear the right way, he may die in the evening without regret.”
If one learns the truth in the morning, they can die content in the evening.
The value of attaining wisdom is so great that it outweighs the fear of death.
“The superior man, in the world, does not set his mind either for anything, or against anything; what is right he will follow.”
The superior man is not prejudiced for or against anything; he follows what is right.
Emphasizes impartiality and adherence to righteousness.