# XLVI explained — Analects

> Chapter companion for Analects by Confucius.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Confucius

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

### Yüan Zang

Squats disrespectfully and is rebuked by Confucius.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/chapters/xlvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/chapters