Heedful of Troubling Signs
314. The human eye can see far across the horizon, yet it is unable to see something as close as its corner. So is the human mind. A man of noble character (Junzi) knows that his mind is no different from his eyes and is thus ever ready to learn from others in order to understand his own shortcomings.
Scroll 46: Zhong Lun
315. As the ancients could not observe their entire physiques, they used mirrors to reflect on their appearances. They also realized that they were not wise enough to understand themselves so they abided by virtues, benevolence, and honor in order to regulate their minds, speech and actions. Without mirrors we will not be able to see our faces clearly, let alone clean and tidy them; without abiding by virtues, benevolence and honor, we will not be able to detect the state of misconception in us.
Scroll 40: Han Zi
316. Confucius asked his student Zilu: “Have you ever heard of the six sayings and their six ill effects?”
Zilu answered: “No, I have not.”
“Come, sit down, and let me explain to you,” Confucius said. “The ill effect of longing to be benevolent without the desire to study will create a foolish person who cannot discern right from wrong. The ill effect of longing to be wise without the desire to study will make an outrageous person who cannot be disciplined. The ill effect of longing to be trustworthy without the desire to study will create a stubborn person who would blindly keep his words without regards to morality and rationality. The ill effect of longing to have forthright character without the desire to study will create a quick-tempered person who likes to criticize the shortcomings of others. The ill effect of longing to be bold without the desire to study will create an unaccommodating person. The ill effect of longing to be tough without the desire to study will create an arrogant person with rude conduct.”
Scroll 9: Lun Yu
317. Confucius said: “There are five types of scholars.
1.Some are noble and powerful;
2.Some come from rich families;
3.Some are endowed with bravery;
4.Some are born intelligent;
5.Some are born with attractive faces.
– If the noble and powerful do not use their power to protect the people and administer affairs in accordance to moral virtues, but instead use their power to despotic ends;
– If the rich do not use their wealth to help the needy and the destitute, but instead lead luxuriating and indecent lifestyles;
– If the brave do not offer their service to protect the rulers and defend against invaders, but instead use their power to bully others and wage personal vendetta;
– If intelligent people do not use their insights to draw up government policies, but instead use their intelligence to commit unscrupulous acts and deceptions;
– If attractive people do not use their distinguished countenance to take the lead in governing the country, but instead use their good looks to seduce women and indulge in sexual misconducts;
– People with the aforementioned characters can be deemed to have absolutely lost their natural endowments.”
Scroll 8: Han Shi Wai Zhuan
318. One needs to think carefully before moving into action. Whether to advance or to retreat, one should remain very cautious. Use lessons learned from the past as a guide for the future. These words may seem unimportant but they will play a big role in deciding success or failure.
Scroll 26: Wei Zhi, Vol. 2
319. Learn from the cases of success and failure from the past, and examine the good and ill aspects of the future. No one would succeed in keeping their family legacies and enjoying lasting prosperity if they are only after fame and wealth just to satisfy their endless greed.
Scroll 26: Wei Zhi, Vol.2
320. The Duke of Zhou said: “I have heard this about governing: Knowing something is good but not putting it into action is referred to as ‘arrogance.’ Knowing something is bad but not correcting it is referred to as ‘in a state of doubts.’ Arrogance and doubts are detrimental characters that a sage-ruler should always avoid adopting.”
Scroll 31: Yu Zi
321. In the past, King Jie of the Xia dynasty and King Zhou of the Shang dynasty were both dethroned because they were obsessed with seductive women. King You and King Li of the Zhou dynasty plunged their kingdom into chaos when they spoiled themselves in the comfort of their favored consorts. With these lessons in mind, our ancient kings were cautious not to allow sensual figures to stay near them, nor have unnecessary ladies serving in the imperial chamber.
Scroll 28: Wu Zhi, Vol. 2
322. There are three risky situations in this world:
1.Less than virtuous people are well-respected and favored;
2.Incompetent people are occupying high positions;
3.Unaccomplished people are enjoying handsome payoffs.
Such are the three risky situations.
Scroll 41: Huai Nan Zi
323. A person will not survive if he suffers the same illness as that of a dead man. A country will not survive if its ruler behaves the same as all other deposed rulers. Do you think this does not make sense at all? How do we know that a person is ill? We know that when he has no appetite. How do we know that a country will end up in shambles? We know that when a ruler does not show respect toward the virtuous and able ministers.
Scroll 44: Qian Fu Lun
324. If a country has the full support of its people it will enjoy prosperity. If people are prepared to die defending the country’s interest it will become strong; if a country is widely acclaimed by the people it is worthy of honor. If these three conditions are met, a country will earn the allegiance of all the people. Without these three conditions, the whole populace will turn its back on the country.
Scroll 38: Sun Qing Zi
325. Carving glyptic motifs on the utensils and pursuing exquisite crafts and lavish costumes at the expense of agricultural development is something that a wise rulerwould strictly forbid.
Scroll 31: Liu Tao