Analects · Chapter
Book XVIII: Wei Tsze explained
This chapter explores the theme of withdrawal from public life versus engagement in governance.
What happens
This chapter explores the theme of withdrawal from public life versus engagement in governance. It recounts the stories of virtuous men who chose reclusion, including the Viscount of Wei, the Viscount of Chî, and Pî-kan, and discusses the recluses encountered by Confucius and his disciples. Confucius emphasizes the duty of the superior man to take office and perform righteous duties, while acknowledging the challenges of a world where right principles do not prevail. The chapter also includes Confucius's reflections on various recluses and his own flexible approach to action.
Themes in this chapter
Virtuous Governance
The chapter discusses the duty of the superior man to take office and perform righteous duties, even when right principles do not prevail.
The Superior Man
Confucius and his disciples exemplify the superior man's commitment to duty and righteousness, as seen in Tsze-lû's reflection on not taking office.
Sincerity and Faithfulness
The recluses like Liû-hsiâ Hûi demonstrate sincerity in serving uprightly despite repeated dismissal, and Confucius's own sincerity in his pursuit of reform.
Characters to notice
- Confucius
Central figure; discusses recluses, engages with them, and articulates his philosophy on taking office and performing righteous duties.
- Tsze-lû
Sent by Confucius to inquire about the ford and later to find the old man; reports encounters with recluses and reflects on the duty to serve.
- Po-î
Mentioned as one of the recluses who refused to surrender their wills or submit to taint.
- Shû-ch’î
Mentioned alongside Po-î as a recluse who maintained purity and refused to surrender.
- Liû-hsiâ Hûi
Chief criminal judge thrice dismissed; explains his upright service and refusal to leave his country.
- Chieh-yü
The madman of Ch’û who sings to Confucius about the peril of governance and the futility of his pursuit.
- Ch’ǎng-tsu
A recluse working in the field who questions Tsze-lû about Confucius and the ford.
- Chieh-nî
A recluse who advises Tsze-lû to follow those who have withdrawn from the world rather than Confucius.
Key passages
“A superior man takes office, and performs the righteous duties belonging to it. As to the failure of right principles to make progress, he is aware of that.”
A man of virtue serves in government to fulfill his moral obligations, even though he knows that right principles may not triumph.
This reflects Confucius's view on the duty of the superior man to engage in governance despite the likelihood of failure.
“It is impossible to associate with birds and beasts, as if they were the same with us. If I associate not with these people—with mankind—with whom shall I associate?”
Since we cannot live with animals, we must live among people; if I do not try to reform society, who else will?
Confucius justifies his engagement with the world, contrasting with the recluses who withdraw from society.
“Not to take office is not righteous. If the relations between old and young may not be neglected, how is it that he sets aside the duties that should be observed between sovereign and minister?”
Refusing to serve in government is a violation of righteousness; just as family relationships are important, so are the duties between ruler and subject.
Tsze-lû argues that the recluse's withdrawal neglects the fundamental social duty of serving the state.
