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Analects · Chapter
XL explained
Confucius states that seven men have accomplished the feat of leaving the world and living as recluses.
What happens
Confucius states that seven men have accomplished the feat of leaving the world and living as recluses.
Characters to notice
- Confucius
The Master identifies seven men who have withdrawn from the world.
Key passages
“Those who have done this are seven men.”
The people who have accomplished this are seven individuals.
Confucius acknowledges the existence of seven men who have achieved a certain state of withdrawal or accomplishment.