Verse 23-Analects of Confucius Chapter 11

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Verse 23 of Analects of Confucius Chapter 11

English: Ji Zi Ran asked:"Zhong You and Ran Qiu, can they be considered for great officials?" Confucius replied:"I thought you going to ask something special. A great offical is one that serves their lords wholeheartedly, and if they cannot, they will not take up the post. Now Zhong You and Ran Qiu can only be considered officials of convenience." "In that case, are they the kind that will always do as they are told?" Confucius replied:"No. They will not do so when it comes to patricide or regicide."

Modern: 季子然问：“仲由、冉求可以担任一国大臣吗？” 孔子答道：“我还以为你问什么特别的问题，原来是问仲由与冉求。我可以告诉你，真正的大臣是以正道侍奉君主，不能做到就自然适可而止。至于仲由和冉求吗，只能说是个从属的臣子而已。” “他们只会遵从命令吗？” “弑父与君的命令不遵从。”

Original: 季子然问：“仲由、冉求，可谓大臣与？”子曰：“吾以子为异之问，曾由与求之问。所谓大臣者，以道事君，不可则止。今由与求也，可谓具臣矣。”曰：“然则从之者与？”子曰：“弑父与君，亦不从也。”

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