# Book XIV: Hsien Wǎn explained — Analects

> Chapter companion for Analects by Confucius.

## What happens

This chapter presents a series of Confucius's sayings and dialogues on topics such as shame, virtue, the conduct of scholars and rulers, the nature of the superior man, and the importance of righteousness and propriety. It includes discussions on personal conduct, governance, and the challenges of maintaining virtue in times of good or bad government.

## Themes in this chapter

### Virtuous Governance

Discussions on shame in relation to salary during good or bad government, and the importance of rulers loving propriety.

### The Superior Man

Defines the superior man through self-cultivation, virtue, wisdom, and boldness, and contrasts with the mean man.

### Righteousness

Emphasizes considering righteousness in the face of gain, and recompensing injury with justice.

## Character check-ins

### Confucius

Central figure, offering teachings on shame, virtue, and the superior man.

### Tsze-lû

Asks about the complete man and the superior man, and is mentioned in a slander incident.

### Tsze-kung

Engages in dialogue about the Master's self-assessment and the practice of comparing men.

### Nan-kung Kwo

Inquires about historical figures, earning praise from Confucius as a superior man and esteemer of virtue.

### Yüan Zang

Reprimanded by Confucius for improper posture and lack of humility.

## Key lines

> When good government prevails in a state, to be thinking only of salary; and, when bad government prevails, to be thinking, in the same way, only of salary;—this is shameful.

It is shameful to be solely concerned with one's salary regardless of whether the state is well or poorly governed.

_Highlights the importance of serving with integrity rather than for personal gain._

> The virtuous will be sure to speak correctly, but those whose speech is good may not always be virtuous. Men of principle are sure to be bold, but those who are bold may not always be men of principle.

Virtuous people speak properly, but not all who speak well are virtuous; similarly, principled people are bold, but not all bold people are principled.

_Distinguishes between outward behavior and inner virtue._

> Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.

Respond to harm with fairness, and respond to kindness with kindness.

_Advocates for a balanced approach to dealing with others, neither excessive nor deficient._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/chapters/book-xiv-hsien-w-n
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/chapters