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Analects · Chapter

XLVI explained

Confucius rebukes Yüan Zang for his disrespectful posture and idle life, striking him on the shank with his staff.

What happens

Confucius rebukes Yüan Zang for his disrespectful posture and idle life, striking him on the shank with his staff.

Themes in this chapter

  • Ritual and Propriety

    Yüan Zang's squatting posture violates proper conduct, prompting Confucius's rebuke.

  • Self-Cultivation

    Confucius criticizes Yüan Zang for failing to cultivate himself in youth and manhood, leading to a worthless old age.

Characters to notice

  • Confucius

    The Master admonishes Yüan Zang for his lack of humility and virtue.

  • Yüan Zang

    Squats disrespectfully and is rebuked by Confucius.

Key passages

  • “In youth not humble as befits a junior; in manhood, doing nothing worthy of being handed down; and living on to old age:—this is to be a pest.”

    If you were not humble when young, accomplished nothing notable as an adult, and now live to old age, you are nothing but a nuisance.

    Confucius condemns a life devoid of virtue and contribution.

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