Verse 13-Analects of Confucius Chapter 14

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Verse 13 of Analects of Confucius Chapter 14

English: Zi Lu⁽¹⁾ asked about accomplished man. Confucius said:" Have wisdom of Zang Wu Zhong⁽²⁾, uncovetousness of Gong Chuo⁽³⁾, courage of Bian Zhuang Zi⁽²⁾ and skills of Ran Qiu⁽¹⁾. Refine all these characters with rites and music, then one can call himself an accomplished man." Confucius continued:" But nowadays, the accomplished man may not fit the definition. If a man thinks of righteousness where he sees profits, risks his life where he sees other being endangered, and does not forget promises, he can be considered an accomplished man as well."

Modern: 子路问怎么样才算是完美的人。孔子说：“像臧武仲^(一)一样聪明，像公绰^(二)一样不贪心，像卞庄子^(一)一样勇敢，像冉求一样多才多艺；藉礼仪音乐来增添文采，就可以算是俄完美的人了。” 孔子继续道：“现在完美的人不一定这样。看见利益，便思量着义理；看见他人遇到危险，便思量着牺牲自己性命；不会忘记平生承诺；也就可以算是完美的人。”

Original: 子路问成人。子曰：“若臧武仲之知，公绰之不欲，卞庄子之勇，冉求文艺，文之以礼乐，亦可以为成人矣。”曰：“今之成人者何必然？见利思义，见危授命，久要不忘平生之言，亦可以为成人矣。”

Explanation:

Application:

Notes

• (1): Disciple of Confucius.
• (2): Officials of State of Lu(鲁)。
• (3): Called Meng Gong Chuo as well. Please refer to Verse 12 of Chapter 14
• (一): 鲁国官员。
• (二): 即孟公绰，请参阅宪问篇，第十二句。