Book VII: Shû R explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Learning and Knowledge

  Confucius emphasizes the value of learning, the silent treasuring of knowledge, and the importance of seeking wisdom from antiquity.

• Self-Cultivation

  The chapter highlights Confucius's personal efforts to cultivate virtue, his solicitude about not improving, and his joy in simple living.

• Ritual and Propriety

  Confucius discusses the importance of propriety, his caution in matters of fasting, war, and sickness, and his adherence to ritual practices.

• The Superior Man

  Confucius describes the superior man as satisfied and composed, and emphasizes the importance of carrying out in conduct what one professes.

Characters to notice

• Confucius

  Central figure throughout the chapter, sharing his philosophy on learning, virtue, and personal conduct.

• Yen Hûi

  Mentioned as one who, like Confucius, can retire from office when not called, showing his alignment with Confucius's ideals.

• Tsze-lû

  Engages with Confucius about military leadership and later asks about praying for Confucius during his illness.

• Tsze-kung

  Asks Confucius about Po-î and Shû-ch’î to infer Confucius's stance on the ruler of Wei.

• Yen Yû

  Asks whether Confucius supports the ruler of Wei, prompting Tsze-kung's inquiry.

• Kung-hsî Hwâ

  Acknowledges that disciples cannot imitate Confucius's striving and teaching without weariness.

• Duke of Sheh

  Asks Tsze-lû about Confucius, leading to Confucius's self-description as one who forgets food in pursuit of knowledge.

• Hwan T’ui

  Referenced by Confucius as someone who cannot harm him because Heaven produced virtue in him.

Key passages

• “The silent treasuring up of knowledge; learning without satiety; and instructing others without being wearied:—which one of these things belongs to me?”

  Confucius humbly questions whether he truly possesses the qualities of silently accumulating knowledge, learning tirelessly, and teaching without fatigue.

  This reflects Confucius's humility and his dedication to learning and teaching.

• “From the man bringing his bundle of dried flesh for my teaching upwards, I have never refused instruction to anyone.”

  Confucius states that he has never turned away any student, regardless of their background, as long as they came with a sincere desire to learn.

  This emphasizes Confucius's commitment to universal education.

• “I do not open up the truth to one who is not eager to get knowledge, nor help out anyone who is not anxious to explain himself. When I have presented one corner of a subject to anyone, and he cannot from it learn the other three, I do not repeat my lesson.”

  Confucius explains his teaching method: he only instructs those who are eager and willing to think for themselves, and he does not repeat lessons for those who cannot infer the rest from one corner.

  This highlights Confucius's emphasis on active learning and independent thinking.

• “If the search for riches is sure to be successful, though I should become a groom with whip in hand to get them, I will do so. As the search may not be successful, I will follow after that which I love.”

  Confucius says that if wealth could be obtained with certainty, he would even take a menial job to get it, but since it is not guaranteed, he prefers to pursue what he loves, which is virtue and learning.

  This illustrates Confucius's attitude toward wealth and his prioritization of moral pursuits.

• “With coarse rice to eat, with water to drink, and my bended arm for a pillow;—I have still joy in the midst of these things. Riches and honours acquired by unrighteousness, are to me as a floating cloud.”

  Confucius finds joy in simple living and regards ill-gotten wealth and honor as transient and meaningless.

  This underscores Confucius's contentment with poverty and his disdain for unrighteous gain.

• “He is simply a man, who in his eager pursuit (of knowledge) forgets his food, who in the joy of its attainment forgets his sorrows, and who does not perceive that old age is coming on.”

  Confucius describes himself as someone so devoted to learning that he forgets to eat, is so joyful in acquiring knowledge that he forgets his troubles, and does not notice aging.

  This portrays Confucius's passionate commitment to learning.