Analects · Chapter
Book XII: Yen Yüan explained
In this chapter, Confucius expounds on the nature of perfect virtue (jen), emphasizing self-restraint, propriety, and the importance of sincerity.
What happens
In this chapter, Confucius expounds on the nature of perfect virtue (jen), emphasizing self-restraint, propriety, and the importance of sincerity. He discusses government, the role of the superior man, and the rectification of names, illustrating these principles through dialogues with his disciples and rulers.
Themes in this chapter
Ritual and Propriety
Confucius defines perfect virtue as subduing oneself and returning to propriety, and emphasizes looking, listening, speaking, and moving only in accordance with propriety.
Virtuous Governance
The chapter discusses the essentials of government, the importance of the people's confidence, and the ruler's role in leading by example.
The Superior Man
The superior man is described as having no anxiety or fear, being cautious in speech, and seeking to perfect the good qualities of others.
Sincerity and Faithfulness
Confucius teaches that holding faithfulness and sincerity as first principles exalts virtue, and that the people's faith in their ruler is essential for the state.
Characters to notice
- Yen Hûi
Asks about perfect virtue and receives the teaching on subduing self and returning to propriety.
- Chung-kung
Inquires about perfect virtue and is taught the principle of not doing to others what one would not wish done to oneself.
- Tsze-hsiâ
Comforts Sze-mâ Niû about brothers and explains the concept of all within the four seas being brothers.
- Tsze-kung
Asks about government and friendship, and discusses the importance of faith in rulers and the value of substance over ornament.
- Tsze-chang
Asks about intelligence, government, and the distinction between distinction and notoriety.
- Fan Ch’ih
Asks about exalting virtue, correcting evil, discovering delusions, and benevolence.
- Tsǎng Shǎn
States that the superior man meets with friends through culture and helps virtue through friendship.
- Yû Zo
Advises Duke Âi on tithing, emphasizing that the people's plenty ensures the prince's plenty.
Key passages
“To subdue one’s self and return to propriety, is perfect virtue.”
Perfect virtue is achieved by overcoming selfish desires and adhering to the rules of propriety.
This is the central teaching on perfect virtue given to Yen Yüan.
“Not to do to others as you would not wish done to yourself.”
Treat others as you would like to be treated; do not impose on others what you would not want for yourself.
This is the negative formulation of the Golden Rule, given to Chung-kung.
“If the people have plenty, their prince will not be left to want alone. If the people are in want, their prince cannot enjoy plenty alone.”
The prosperity of the ruler is dependent on the prosperity of the people; if the people are well-off, the ruler will not lack, but if the people are poor, the ruler cannot be rich.
Yû Zo's advice to Duke Âi on taxation.
“There is government, when the prince is prince, and the minister is minister; when the father is father, and the son is son.”
Good government exists when each person fulfills their proper role and duties according to their station.
Confucius's response to Duke Ching about the essence of government.
“Let your evinced desires be for what is good, and the people will be good. The relation between superiors and inferiors, is like that between the wind and the grass. The grass must bend, when the wind blows across it.”
If the ruler genuinely desires goodness, the people will follow suit; the influence of superiors on inferiors is like the wind bending the grass.
Confucius's advice to Chî K’ang on governing without killing.
