Chapter 11 Gongye Chang fifth-1

The above four articles are the outline of Confucian learning, and this article uses examples to illustrate Confucian learning, and the dialogues and discussion collections are more flavorful. The way of Confucian learning is mostly about "use" - the application of being a person and doing things.The following records are all the stories of Confucius students, which talk about Confucius' educational methods and the role of enlightening education in fact. Confucius chooses a son-in-law The title of this article is Gong Yechang, who was a student of Confucius. In the "Historical Records" Biography of Confucian Disciples, and even "Confucius's Family Language", there is limited information about Gongye Chang.However, according to scattered records in other miscellaneous studies, Chang Gongye knew the language of birds.Decades ago it was not uncommon to laugh at such a thing.Because people who study biological science in modern times understand the meaning expressed by the language and actions of animals.Therefore, after the development of science, the knowledge that ancient people knew the language of birds is not considered a joke.So we have a saying: "Know the nature of fish near the water, and know the sound of birds in the mountains." This is a very common thing, and it can also be said to be experienced in living habits.In modern times, because the ancients did not have the spirit of scientific research, they simply do not believe that Gongye knew the language of birds.Therefore, the Confucians in the past did not dare to say this, thinking it was a joke.But by now we study it, it will not be a joke.

The son calls the father and elder, but the wife, even though she is in prison, is not a crime.With his son and wife. The "sons" of "whose sons and wives are" are daughters.In ancient times, the word "zi" was used by both men and women, so-called women and men all used "zi".Therefore, in ancient Chinese culture, daughters could be called sons; between brothers and sisters, younger sisters could be called younger brothers;Now, as far as the information about Gongyechang mentioned by Confucius is concerned, we only know that he was imprisoned, but why he was imprisoned is not known, and it cannot be found out in history.In another miscellaneous book, there is a story about him that Chang Gongye once lost his trust with the bird because he understood the language of the bird, and the bird harmed him, so he went to jail.why?The legendary story goes like this:

Once the bird said to him: "Chang Gongye! Chang Gongye! There is a sheep in Nanshan. You eat the meat, but I eat the intestines." As a result, Chief Gongye forgot and ate the whole sheep including its contents. I have nothing to eat, so I want to hurt him.Later, he told Chang Gongye that there was a sheep in Nanshan, but Gongye ran there, but he didn't see the sheep, but saw a murdered person.This is the story we all heard when we were kids.The legend of this kind of children's myth has probably existed for thousands of years, and it is also based on the knowledge of miscellaneous families. Of course, this is just a legend.Why was Chang Gongye imprisoned?I don't know.But Confucius thought that Gongye Chang was in prison, and he didn't deserve it, so Confucius married his daughter to him.

Judging from this incident, we can know that Confucius's behavior was definitely not to choose a rich, powerful or educated person before marrying his daughter to him.And the most wonderful thing is that he married his daughter to Gong Yechang, who had been in prison, and married his niece to Nan Rong—Nan Gongshi.why?Let's see why below. The son is called Nanrong, if the state has the way, it will not be abolished, and if the state has no way, it will not be punished.Take his brother's son as his wife. We need to understand one important point first. Confucius’ background was very difficult. His biological mother was a step-wife. Confucius’ ex-mother left behind a disabled elder brother, and his family was very poor.When Confucius was eleven or twelve years old, he took care of family life, and he experienced all kinds of hardships. He was a person who stood up from hardships.His morality, learning, and articles were honored as a saint by later generations. This saint is not accidental.He also took good care of the daughter left behind by his brother, and finally married this niece to Nan Rong.

Nan Rong is mentioned in several places in the book, and it is also mentioned below that Nan Rong "sanfu Bai Gui", Confucius married his niece to him.What is Bai Gui?It is white jade, and "Gui" is the palm that officials hold when they go to court. After Qin and Han Dynasties, it was changed into "bamboo slips"; the so-called "chaohu" is it.What is this for?The first is the regulation of etiquette; the second is the record of major events.Now you can use a diary to copy it. There was no diary in ancient times. When encountering major political events, such as reporting to the emperor, what should I do if I forget it?Just write important things on the court wat, which is its second use.So when we look at the emperors in ancient pictures, they all hold a long-shaped hand.

Version. The reason why the ancients valued jade was meaningful. It is not like the psychology of modern people who love gems, saying that it is a rare treasure.The ancients valued jade because "jade is pure and ice-clear", and the character should be as white as jade. They used jade to compare their cultivation of personality and knowledge, so they valued jade.According to later generations, only jade rings and bracelets were worn.As for the jade pendant on the belt, what does that mean?It is said that if a person falls and gets hurt, the jade he wears will hurt his ancestors.When the jade is broken, people can be saved from injury.Is this superstitious legend really true?There may be such a role in mechanics, and it is not that jade has any gods.

We know that Bai Gui is a piece of jade.In ancient times, there was an article "Bai Gui", which is a poem dedicated to praising jade.Praise jade, not because of the high value of gemstones, how many dollars it can be worth, but because of its "jade clean and ice-clear".The pure whiteness of jade cannot have any blemishes or stains.When Nan Rong read this poem, he admired it very much and recited it over and over again.Confucius heard him recite this poem repeatedly, so he married his niece to him.If the content of this record is as simple as that, then if we young people see a beautiful lady, go to her door and sing a few songs to try it out, it would be strange if we don’t drive you out?Did Confucius love listening to music so much?Then why did Confucius marry his niece after listening to Nan Rong's poems three times?yes

Because Confucius inspected on weekdays, and now there are materials in the teaching office, Nan Rong pays great attention to the cultivation of moral character, so when he read this poem, he felt special emotion, and when Confucius heard it, he decided to marry his niece to him .In the end, what did Confucius think of Nan Rong's inspection of culture, character and other accomplishments?An era—the peaceful era when society is on track—needs talents like Nan Rong.He will not be buried, he will definitely emerge.Nan Rong's talent can be seen from this.However, most talented people are sharp-edged, and when they lose power, they will definitely not be able to stand it, and they will be full of complaints, as if in today's world, who else is better than me?If I come out, at least I can compare to Zhuge Liang.Talented people often have this problem, it is very serious!Nan Rong's wisdom and talent will not be abandoned, and he is naturally indispensable in the peaceful world; once it comes to a chaotic era, people with higher talents will have more difficulties and obstacles, and even their lives will be more dangerous, but Nan Rong will not.Because when the society is chaotic, there is also a way to be good at self-control and self-defense. He will never encounter the disaster of killing himself and can be exempted from execution.In other words, he is good at using the world.Not only is he useful in the world, but he is also good at dealing with himself.So Confucius married his own niece to him.

If we study these two sections together, we can see that Confucius had certain principles in dealing with things.Although Nan Rong is good at dealing with himself, but Gong Ye has a deeper skill in learning and cultivation, so he can not complain when he encounters difficulties and adversity, and he has a mediocre self-cultivation.In fact, he thinks that Chang Gongye is more remarkable than Nan Rong.However, if Confucius married his niece to Gongyechang, he would probably be criticized by the society, saying that he had no good intentions, married his niece to Gongyechang who had been in prison, and married his daughter to Nan Rong, a son of a family.But what he did was exactly the opposite.In these places, although we are suspected of doing a carping study, it is a fact.The key point is that "the state is not abolished if it has the right way, and the state without the way is exempt from punishment."

kill. These two sentences are the principles of Confucius' conduct in the world. How can a person achieve a peaceful world so that his talents will not be buried; in times of chaos, his life will not be in danger. It is really not easy. The third student who commented is Zijian.Zijian's surname is Mi, and his first and last names are different. Zijian is his nickname.This is a young man. "Historical Records" records that he is 30 years younger than Confucius, and "Jiayu" records that he is more than 40 years younger than Confucius. How much younger?This is not the topic here, anyway, this is one of the students that Confucius accepted in his later years and cultivated with all his spirit.Confucius commented on him:

A son is said to be cheap, a gentleman is as good as a person, and there is no gentleman in Lu, how can he take it? Confucius probably sighed to the students here.He said, Zijian is really amazing, he is a gentleman. "If there is no gentleman in Lu, how can I take it?" After the Duke of Zhou was granted the title of Lu, the cultural customs preserved by the State of Lu are representative of the culture of the Zhou Dynasty.This is true from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods to the Qin and Han Dynasties, and it is also the center of Chinese culture.But from this section, we can also see that the people at that time also lamented the culture of the Lu State, pointing out that the culture was about to decline, and at least some of the characters had disappeared.Confucius specifically mentioned Zijian and said to his classmates, you see, Mi Zijian can be called a gentleman regardless of internal cultivation of moral character or external talent; if someone thinks that there is no gentleman in Lu, then Zijian Isn't this cheap man a gentleman?If this person is not a gentleman, who else can be called a gentleman?Here it is vaguely revealed: First, the purpose of cultural and spiritual education is to cultivate talents who can inherit the past and inspire the future.Second, pay attention to rewarding rising stars, and guide them to make them flourish. The above are Confucius' comments on students' knowledge and virtue.Having talked about three people, the following is an episode in the article, which is also a turning point.This makes the article even more lively. stand tall Zigong asked, "How about giving?"The Master said: It is also a female vessel.Said: "What kind of device is it?"Said: Hulian also. Seeing the teacher commenting on the three classmates, Zigong couldn't help himself, and suddenly got up to ask a question, teacher!What do you think of me?Confucius said to him, you are a thing.We have mentioned before that the Chinese people have the habit of swearing, and they often say what kind of "thing" are you?It's really not easy for a person to form a thing. It's like saying what's your name?When I think about it for myself, it is true that there are no tricks, only bragging.But here Confucius is equivalent to saying Zigong, you have become a typical example.Zigong asked again, "Then what am I?"Confucius said, you are a Hulian. "Hulian" is an ancient jade article, and this jade article is not available to ordinary people.It was used in ancient times for Above the temple, it is equivalent to the layout of the central government and the imperial palace. It is very neat and solemn when placed on it.why Woolen cloth?It is a symbol of "high", "expensive" and "clean".Zigong is a typical example of this spirit, which is a bit too lofty, too expensive, and too pure.In ancient times, Hulian was invited to show off when the country had a grand ceremony.Normally, I had to lock it in a cabinet and hide it for protection. One day, a classmate took a banknote and said: "It's so dirty, beware of bacteria." I said, "This is the portrayal of the philosophy of life." If a person takes a new banknote and likes it, he always wants to keep it for a longer time; The banknotes are used first, so the more worn the banknotes, the easier it is to circulate.In the same way, good things are hidden and kept.Zi Gong is such a character who is preserved and protected.In history, we can see that when Confucius’s own parents’ country—the state of Lu—had difficulties, Confucius wanted to solve it by himself. His classmates advised Confucius not to go as an old man, but let us go out and do diplomacy for the country.Confucius said that you can't ignore the affairs of your own country, you should go.Later Zigong came and said, Teacher!I go.Confucius immediately agreed to let Zigong go.Zigong is a great generalist in politics, economy, diplomacy, business, and everything.Traveling internationally and lobbying the princes stabilized the state of Lu.We know that the battle of Wuyue and other major wars, the final decisive battle, was provoked by Zigong.Why did Zigong start a war?Because Qi State wanted to fight Lu State, he started the battle between Wu and Qi, picked all the way down, and provoked Yue and Jin. In this way, Lu State remained calm.His high talent and great ability can be seen here.But later I will talk about Zigong's "gifts are not ordered, but goods are multiplied, and billions are won repeatedly." Later, he didn't want to be an official, and he didn't want anything I want to do it, I specialize in doing business, and I always make a fortune doing business. It seems that Confucius' life in his later years depends on him to take care of him.Zigong is a heroic and generous man, nothing can restrain him, but he is never proud.So Confucius said that he formed the style of high, noble, and clean.Disdain to do lowly things has become a typical example of this "hulian". deep sea trip Let me talk about another student of Confucius, Ran Yong, named Zhonggong, who was 29 years younger than Confucius and was born as a commoner, but Confucius believed that this student had the talent of an emperor.Although Yan Hui is good in morality and knowledge, he can preach, but he may not be able to become an emperor or do astonishing careers.Ran Yong is mentioned here. Or say: Yong Ye, benevolent but not sycophant.The Master said: How can you use a sycophant to command others to give by mouth, and you will repeatedly hate them.If you don't know his benevolence, how can you use a sycophant? Or, is an infinitive.I don’t know who saw that Confucius was too kind to Ran Yong, and he was a little unconvinced, so he said to Confucius, you often say that Ran Yong is very good, and others are pretty good, kind, loving, magnanimous, kind, and there are many advantages, but there is one thing. The words are not very pleasant, and the attitude is not easy-going. ——"Not a sycophant", the meaning of this word sycophant, interpreted in modern dialect, is both bragging and flattering.Not being a sycophant means that he is not eloquent and his attitude is not very easy-going.After hearing what this man said, Confucius said to him: "How can you use a flatterer?"——Why should a person play tricks? "If you give to others with your mouth, you will hate them many times. If you don't know his benevolence, how can you use a sycophant?" He said that lip service is the most terrible thing, and he can speak People who talk often make a mistake. They like to offend others or be mean to others with their mouths.People who speak harshly to others are often hated by others. Sometimes words can hurt people more painfully than killing someone with a knife.Therefore, people who "give others with their mouths" and use their mouths to fight against others are often hated by others.So he further said: "If you don't know benevolence, how can you use a sycophant?" If a person has not cultivated benevolence, what is the use of a sharp mouth?This section first explains the standard of personality cultivation; secondly, it explains the reason why Confucius repeatedly emphasized the example of Ran Yong. It is easy to establish yourself but it is difficult to establish others The son made lacquer carving open.Confrontation: I can't believe it.Zi said. Qi Diaokai was one of the students of Confucius who specialized in studying history. It is known from "Historical Records" that he had studied "Shangshu" with Confucius. "Shangshu" is now called "Book of Books", which is the historical data of ancient China compiled by Confucius.He was older, only eleven years younger than Confucius.Lacquer carving is a surname, first name Kai, word Ziruo. It is mentioned here that Confucius said to Qidiao one day that your education is ready to serve the society, go out and become an official.But Qi Diao said, teacher, thank you!I have no confidence in this matter.This sentence contains a high degree of self-cultivation. He means that if you let me go out to do things, can I really do anything for the country and society?Is my knowledge enough?You can tell me to do whatever you want, but I don’t have the confidence to come out and take on big things for others, and I don’t want to go out to be an official.Confucius was very happy when he heard his words, because many of his students were eager for success and profit. Confucius traveled all over the world.Even though he is poor and unlucky, every prince still has to buy his recommendation.At the same time, there are many students of Confucius who are great outside. Some are military commanders, some are chief executives, and some are very powerful.It's just that every prince dared not use him, because he had too many students. At that time, with such a small population-about a few million people, he had three thousand disciples.Given today's population ratio, how many students should he have?And the students are very loyal to him, as long as he moves, any vassal country may be shaken, who dares to use him?But all his students are very popular, so some Confucian disciples may also want to follow their teacher's route.It can be deduced from the example of Shaozhengmao's gathering of disciples to give lectures and pulling away many students of Confucius.But Qi Diaokai, when he heard Confucius call him out, he said that he has no confidence in being an official, which shows that he is sincere in learning and practicing the truth.So Confucius was very happy when he heard this. Confucius wants to go abroad The record of the teacher's comments on the students ends here, and then we turn to a relaxing subject. The Master said: The way is not enough, take a boat and float in the sea.From me, its reason and?Zilu is delighted to hear that.Confucius said: You Ye, you are so brave that you have surpassed me, and you have nothing to draw from. This is what Confucius felt in his later years. The revitalization of cultural decline and the restoration of social atmosphere are like fairy mountains on the sea, which are beyond reach.So he sighed and said that today's cultural, educational and moral education is no longer feasible; ——Going abroad is not as good as it is now. Going abroad was very painful at that time. Overseas has not yet been developed, and it is completely in a primitive state, which is to suffer.Now it’s okay to go abroad. If Confucius wanted to go abroad for fame and wealth, he would not be a saint, just like everyone else.At that time, he did not go abroad by boat, but by 桴. In ancient times, transportation was underdeveloped, so if a big log was hollowed out, it became a "桴".At that time, wooden rafts and bamboo rafts were used in the south of the Yangtze River; in the north, bamboo rafts were mostly used.He sighed and said that if he was unable to preach and do nothing in China, he would have to make a canoe and go to a savage overseas place to live in seclusion and spend his whole life in obscurity.By then, probably Zilu will come with me, right? (Zilu is good at martial arts, he has the greatest military achievements among his disciples, and he is talented as a commander.) Zilu was very happy to hear what the teacher said, as if Confucius was about to set off.So Confucius said, Zilu surpassed me in martial arts and courage, but he also surpassed me in irritability. He didn't know how to judge things. Portraits of Confucian disciples Speaking of which, here is a series of general comments.At the same time, we can see the art of Confucius speaking.Uncle Meng Wu asked, "Is Zilu benevolent?"Confucius said: I don't know.asked again.The Master said: You, a country of a thousand chariots, can be governed by its Fu; I do not know its benevolence.How about asking?The Master said: Seek, a town of a thousand houses, a house of a hundred chariots, can be made a butcher; I don't know its benevolence.What about red?The Master said: Chi Ye, who is tied with a belt and stands in the court, can be used to talk to guests; I don't know how benevolent it is. Meng Wubo, as we have introduced earlier, was a senior official in the state of Lu, who was in power at the time, and asked Confucius for talents—asked him to introduce students.Because the highest state of Confucianism is benevolence.So he first asked some of the most famous Confucius students, asking if they had cultivated the highest state of "benevolence". First of all, he asked whether Zilu's knowledge has reached the realm of benevolence, that is to say, has he reached the level of entering the world with benevolence?Confucius said: "I don't know." My interpretation of the meaning of "I don't know" is different from that of the ancients.The ancients often explained that Confucius replied to Uncle Meng Wu that Zilu did not know benevolence.I don't think so.What Confucius said was a humorous answer, not sure; it is equivalent to someone asking us, do you think your student XX has the ability to be the provincial chairman?We may answer him, I don't know that.Maybe we think in our hearts that this student's ability is beyond this status, but we can't say this verbally; maybe we think that this student is a member of the department. I can't say that he is too embarrassed, otherwise he will have no future and no food. I can only say that I don't know.So when Confucius said "I don't know", he said it with a smile, but he didn't give an affirmative answer. Of course, the meaning implied that Zilu had not yet reached the realm of benevolence.This is my take on the meaning of this "I don't know". Why do you have such a view?Because of Meng Wubo's question, there was no result and no definite answer.Therefore, there is another turning point of "asking again" below, and from this we can prove it ourselves.Therefore, Meng Wubo asked Confucius to what extent Zilu's achievements had reached?Confucius introduced his students in detail. He said that Zilu Ru was in the country of Qiancheng—a big country in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods—“you can make him govern his Fu” and you can make him a commander. In ancient times, "fu" included military and tax collection, and it was a system that combined finance, politics, and economics.Therefore, endowment can sometimes represent the general affairs of the joint logistics supply in the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.The so-called country of a thousand vehicles, ancient times was a car During the war era, four horses dragged a cart called Yicheng, and the cart contained soldiers, combat equipment, and weapons. The country of Thousand Chariots was the largest country.He said that Zilu is a great general, and he can command the front and rear.As for whether the cultivation of knowledge has reached the state of benevolence, it is very difficult to pass according to Confucius' standard. Uncle Meng Wu asked Ran Qiu how he was.It was mentioned in the "Eight Pieces" that Ran Qiu was a retainer of Jisun's family, a wealthy family in the state of Lu, which meant that he had great administrative skills, so Confucius replied to Meng Wubo that Ran Qiu was the best chief executive.In terms of the current official system, it is no problem to be a chief executive who is equivalent to the provincial chairman, and he is competent enough to be happy. The thousands of rooms in the "city of thousands of rooms" cannot be compared with today's. For example, Taipei City has a population of more than one million, but the "city of thousands of rooms" in ancient times was already great, and it was a huge place. "House of Baicheng" is a large family in the ancient patriarchal social system, which is equal to a large local political unit.Ran Qiu can be such a local official, but he has not yet reached the realm of benevolence in learning. Meng Wubo asked another person, "What about Chi?" Chi was a student of Confucius. His surname was Gongxi, and his style name was Zihua.Confucius said, when you ask about Gongxihua, he wears a uniform, has a very good manner, and his knowledge is passable. He is the best diplomat when foreign leaders and ambassadors come. "Girdles stand in the court", ancient Chinese clothes are all tied with belts, the so-called brocade robes and jade belts mean well-dressed and elegant.Now foreign dresses are also tied with belts.Although it is an excellent choice in terms of diplomatic response, when it comes to learning and self-cultivation, it still has not reached the realm of benevolence. From this section, we can see that Confucius' requirements for "benevolence" are so strict that almost no student can meet this standard.There was only one Yan Hui who could truly meet the standard of "benevolence" in learning, but unfortunately he died short-lived.It was only later that I preached to Zeng Shen. I said before: "Shenhu! My way is consistent." It was in his later years.According to historical records, among the three thousand disciples of Confucius, there were seventy-two outstanding (sages), but according to the information left in the "Historical Records", there are only ten or twenty who are famous and have made great achievements.Moreover, these 20 people were promoted by Confucius. They were all introduced by Confucius, and they were also written by Confucius.How do we know Yan Hui?Yan Hui never wrote a single article, never composed a single poem, and never wrote a single word. How do we know the extent of his learning?It was his teacher who said how good he was and how great he was.In terms of martial arts, Zilu can be a marshal, but he didn't write an art of war like his later grandson.The same is true for Zigong. Most of these students were preached by Confucius. It can be seen that the difficulty of talents, a big problem in ancient and modern history, always has the feeling of "difficulty of talents"!True talent is hard to come by.At the same time, we can understand an interesting problem: first-class people often do not write articles or give lectures; the better the knowledge, the less famous it is.Just look at several truly remarkable people in history.Jesus did not go to university at all, but now studying the words of Jesus, you can get hundreds of doctorate degrees, but he did not write a word, it was all written by his disciples; Sakyamuni did not write a word, all The classics are all recorded by his disciples; Lao Tzu wrote five thousand characters himself; Confucius is the most pitiful, he wrote them all by himself, or did he praise the students in turn, and the students could not praise him.Therefore, when we are students, it is best to find a teacher like Confucius, who not only has knowledge to listen to, but also saves energy. It is good for him to praise us.Let's look at the students of Confucius, all of whom were promoted by him.Although this is a joke, we only know the truth when it comes out of his mouth.So looking at history from another angle, real talents are indeed hard to come by. Secondly, we can see that there are all kinds of talents among Confucius' disciples.Zilu in military affairs, Gongxihua in diplomacy, Ranqiu in administration, as for Zigong, it’s a tool!Just like Hulian in the temple, exquisite and elegant; even in the rivers and lakes, there are promises and gold, ugly faces, all kinds, all kinds of surprises, all-encompassing, so he is really called "educated without distinction". I love my teacher Zi said to Zigong, "Which one is better, a woman or Hui?"Confrontation: How dare you look back when you give it back? You can know ten when you hear it once, and you can know two when you hear it once.The master said: "Furuya, I and my daughter are like this." Zigong and Zilu were two of Confucius' favorite students.We can see that sometimes Zilu is the most aggressive when he swings his fist; Zigong can say anything.They were special to their teachers, and Confucius was special to both of them.So one day he asked Zi Gong: "Which one is better, a woman or Hui?" Confucius admired Yan Hui the most.Which one is great?He said to him, "Why do you dare to look back?" Zigong said, thank you, teacher!I really can't compare with him. "Hui also hears one and knows ten", Yan Hui, the teacher said one point, he knows ten.From Zigong's answer, we can see that learning is difficult, and the so-called heuristic education is not easy. Tell him this corner, and the other three corners will understand; tell him there is smoke over there, and he will know that it is a fire. It is the talent.Some were unresponsive and asked back: "Is there any smoke over there?" After it was all burned up, he still didn't know why!This is the difference between wisdom and foolishness.Zi Gong replied that the teacher told Yan Hui that if he had one point, he knew the other nine points, and there was no need for the teacher to teach him any more.As for me - "Give me one thing to know two", the teacher said one step, I know at most two steps, and the third step I don't know.This is the truth, which shows that Zi Gong is very calm and sincere.Look at the attitude of Confucius again: "The Master said: "Fruya, I and my daughter are like you." How humble!He said: "Yes, you are not as good as him, not only you are not as good as him, but I am not as good as you." Confucius admired Yan Hui so much, and it was not too much. And tall.Later, Mencius believed that there are three joys in the world. The first is that parents have survived, and brothers have no accidents, and they have fulfilled filial piety and friendship; And educate it.This is what Confucius got.But sometimes it is really a hard job to get the stupid talents in the world and educate them.Regarding Yan Hui, Confucius believed that he was happy to educate him because he acquired a talent.From what Confucius said to Zigong, it can be seen that Confucius' education and his personality are so humble, he can seize opportunities to inspire people, and he is not rigid at all. hand tired throwing books long afternoon dream Here comes the big question: Zaiyu takes a nap.The Master said: Rotten wood cannot be carved, and a wall of dung cannot be carved.Yu Yu and He Zhu! Zaiyu is a student of Confucius, one of the four senior disciples.Confucianism said that language, literature, virtue, and politics are the four categories of talents and learning. Zaiyu is equivalent to the head of the "Chinese Department" in the "academic institution" of Confucianism!Speaking of words, Zaiyu's strength is "sharp mouth". According to the interpretation of the ancients, "Zaiyu's day nap" means sleeping during the day—probably taking a nap, or sleeping late.When Confucius saw it, he scolded him: "Dead wood cannot be carved."This rotten wood cannot be chiseled. "The wall of dung should not be rotten." This rotten wall can't be painted well. "Yu Yu and He Zhu!" Damn it!Damn it!Therefore, Chinese scholars who followed the old rules in the past did not dare to take a nap because they were influenced by this passage.We know that in history, Zeng Guofan, a famous minister of Zhongxing in the Qing Dynasty, was also a famous Confucianist, so he didn’t dare to take a nap, even though he was so busy, he still didn’t dare to take a nap, for fear that Confucius would complain”——The wall of dung can’t be broken .” So Zeng Guofan changed to sleep at night.I woke up early in the morning, and I couldn't bear the many and busy business affairs. I had no choice but to sleep before dinner, and then I felt refreshed at night.The lesson of napping was such a serious matter for the ancients. Later, in the early years of the Republic of China, foreign schools were learning Western culture, and the new rule was to take a nap, especially at that time, when the German and Japanese style of training came, getting up early was energetic, and the supplementary rest time was to rely on naps, otherwise it was not in line health.So what about the problem of "Zai Yu's nap"?Some people put forward the opinions of Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao, saying that this is not a "day" sleeping, but a mistake of "painting" sleeping.Because Zaiyu was fine, he often "painted" murals in the dormitory.Unless the students in kindergarten may secretly scribble on the wall, Zaiyu is not a child, why would he scribble on the wall.It was really hard not to study much, and I later realized that I was deceived by Kang Youwei and the others.This "drawing Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty first raised the issue of "sleep", and later someone in the Song Dynasty said that Zai Yu was not scolded for sleeping in the daytime, but Confucius scolded him because he was scribbling on the wall of his dormitory. Kang Youwei and the others The statement is not original. However, as far as we know, the ancients seem to have misinterpreted these two sentences of Confucius.According to my research, the real meaning of these two sentences is that the inside of this piece of wood is already rotten. If you go to carve it on the outside, even if it looks good on the outside, it is useless; "Wall", a mud wall that has been loosened by ants and dirt dogs is inherently weak and will fall. This kind of wall that is not strong inside is useless even if it is beautifully painted on the outside.It means that the house is rotten, you tidy it up, like using modern plywood, sugarcane board, and wallpaper, it looks beautiful when you walk in, but the shelves are loose, which is wrong and unreliable. After these two problems are solved, it is understood that he is saying that Jae Yu's health is not good.I have no choice but to let him rest for a while, and you should not ask too much of him.I learned this truth from my students.Because I have a few students who are capable and intelligent, and I admire him for his talents and insights.But the terrible thing is that there is no news for a month when I give him one thing.Scold him?Could not bear.In fact, he had a cold for three or two days, and he had to stay in bed all day long. He had no energy, so he had to lie down and sleep.I just discovered that "rotten wood cannot be carved, and a wall of dung cannot be smashed." It's not that he is bad, but his foundation is too weak.But people are very strange. People with weak bodies have good minds. Just look at "Mencius Jinxin Zhang": "People who have virtue, wisdom, skill and knowledge will always have illnesses." A sick person, because he is often in pain , there is no other physical activity, so I will think more and learn more.A person with good physical strength, who has won championships in sports, is required to write two articles, which is very difficult for him.These two things cannot be combined; there are too few people with good physical fitness, high intelligence, and complete civil and military equipment.It is a fact that most people with good knowledge and moral karma are weak and sick.So Confucius said: "Yu Yu and who punished?" There is no need to punish Zai Yu too much. "Punish" seeks the same, and it cannot be used as the word "kill" for murder here. "Zhu" is also the "begging" of the requirement, and the "yu" of "yuyu" here means slaughtering give.In other words, why do you have to demand too much from Zaiyu?Just let him sleep! Next: Confucius said: I start with people, listen to their words and believe their deeds.Now I am among people, listen to their words and watch their actions.Yu Yu and change is. Confucius said, I used to listen to a man's words and believe his actions.Now that I am older and have more experience in life, after listening to what a person says, I have to observe his behavior.This change was inspired by Jae Yu. According to these words, the ancients explained that Confucius hated Zaiyu very much.This is not the case.From our experience in life and teaching, we can know that what Confucius said means that when he saw a person with thought and talent, he believed that this person would have achievements in the future—"Listen to his words and believe in his deeds" .Later, he discovered that this was not the case. Even if a person has talent and knowledge, but does not have good physical fitness and energy, he will not be able to talk about his career.To do business alone, one must have a strong body and a full spirit.So Confucius said, I have seen Jae Yu, and my view of life has changed. The world is not simple.Some people have ideas, abilities, and talents, but he spends his whole life He can't do a good job because he lacks energy and spirit.So Zeng Guofan's physiognomy said: "Fame depends on temperament, career depends on spirit." It makes sense!So I think this section means this. Whether it is right or wrong is still for everyone to study.But personally, at least as of today, I think so.It’s just that the ancients described Confucius as too old-fashioned and pedantic. In fact, Confucius was very understanding. No one seeks self-exaltation Here is another person. The Master said: I have never seen a rigid one.Or say to each other: Shen Zhi.The Master said: "You also want to be strong, how can you get strength?" Confucius lamented one day, he said that I have never seen a person who is strong enough.Pay attention to the word "rigid", a strong temper is not rigid, it means a strong temper.The person who is Gang is Fang Zheng, not necessarily with a bad temper. Generally speaking, this person is very crappy, he can't wear a high hat, and he won't change even if he is scolded. This is almost a bit like Gang, but it depends on his character, wisdom, and self-cultivation.前面我曾经提到有一个人讲过，他说上等人有本领没脾气，中等人有本领有脾气，下等人没本领脾气大。孔子这里的刚是指有本领没脾气的上等人而言。 孔子讲了这句话，有一个人说，有嘛！申枨，他不是很刚吗？ “子曰：枨也欲。焉得刚？”他说申枨这个人有欲望，怎么说是刚呢！一个人有欲望是刚强不起来的，碰到你爱好的，就非投降不可。人要到“无欲”则刚，譬如说，这个人真好！very impressive!就是一点毛病，爱钱。既然他爱钱，你拿钱给他，他的了不起就变成起不了。你说这个人品德样样都好，就是有一个毛病爱读书，遇到懂得手段的人就利用他了，什么都不和他谈，专谈书，他就中计了。历史上有些人，“天子不能臣，诸侯不能友。”请他出来做官，他不干；任何权势拉拢他，理都不理。但是中国政治上有一个传统的手法，只要在人上者，肯“礼贤下士”，管你什么人，都要吃瘪、投降。有人认为你是天下第一人，你不出来，奈天下苍生何？这时候你想想，觉得还不错，不妨出来试一试。功名富贵什么都可以不要，就怕“礼贤下士”。只要以礼下人，任何英雄都不免来入彀中。不过要有道德作背景，如果没有道德的基础，仅是这样乱用，礼也是一把刀，有时要把自己杀掉的，这要特别注意！ 所以真正刚强的人是没有欲望的——无欲则刚。有一个学生要我写一副对子，我送他八个字。上联是佛家的思想，下联是儒家的思想：“有求皆苦，无欲则刚。” 如果你说什么都不求，只想成圣人、成佛、成仙，也蛮苦的呀！所以有求就苦，人到无求品自高，要到一切无欲才真能刚正，才可以作顶天立地的人。 孔子说申枨还有欲望，怎能算得刚？因此，引出了另一个人的话。 推己及人难又难 子贡曰：我不欲人之加诸我也，吾亦欲无加诸人。子曰：赐也，非尔所及也。 这是子贡很得意地讲自己学问修养的心得。他说，我不喜欢人家加到我身上的那些事，我也不想有同样的情形加到别人身上。譬如有人骂我，我会觉得不高兴，因此我也不骂任何人。换句话说，别人给我的痛苦、烦恼，我不喜欢，因此我也不愿加给任何一个人痛苦、烦恼。你说一个人够做到这样的修养，多了不起！他向孔子报告了自己这个做学问的可贵心得。 “子曰：赐也，非尔所及也。”孔子听了便说：子贡呀！这是你做不到的呀！再下一句虽然没有写出来，但隐约中包涵有孔子自谦的意味，等于说，就算我为师的也不能完全做到，任何人都做不到的。why?世界上任何一个人，只要是活着，一定烦恼了别人，这是必然的道理。譬如我们大家在这里研究，蛮轻松的，等会儿回家一看：“太太！你怎么搞的？饭没做好！”我们在这里享受，那个烦恼是加在太太身上的。人活在世上，都是把自己的痛苦加在别人身上，然后自己得到一点所谓“享受”，所谓“幸福”。所以子贡说了这些话以后，孔子说他做不到，任何人都做不到的。人活在世界上是互助的，我们的幸福享受，一定有赖于人，甚至妨碍了别人。不过，如能常生警觉，想到妨碍了别人时，尽量少妨碍一点，已经是最好的道德了。所以说，绝对无私，绝对无欲，是做不到的。 老子也认为绝对无私是不可能的，做到“清心寡欲”、“少私寡欲”，已经很了不起。少私就公了；绝对无私行不通；绝对无欲做不到；少欲就是了不起。所以替自己想时也能替别人想，就是很了不起的公德。当我想到需要拿扇子的时候，也问问他：“你要不要？”就了不起。假如说当我拿扇子的时候，我买扇子送给天下所有需要扇子的人，是做不到的，不但没有这个财力，而且也缺乏这种能力。况且世界上有些人，你给他扇子，他拿了丢掉，为什么？他有病还吹不得风呢！由此可知作人之难，道德修养之难。 有人说，我们后世的人景仰孔子，知道他了不起，那都是子贡的功劳。Why?孔子晚年的生活，很可能都靠子贡维持的。乃至扬名天下，子贡也大有功。当时国际之间，不论外交策划，工商界的声望，战略政略的顾问，子贡样样都行。而且子贡对孔子的认识非常够，孔子死后，他的三千弟子，七十二贤人，大多都服心丧三年——就是对老师像对父母一样，内心服孝三年。只有子贡庐墓三年——守孔子的坟墓守了三年。中国人讲究看风水的“堪舆”学中，相传孔子在曲阜的坟墓也是子 贡勘定的。起先孔子死后，同学们先看中了一个坟地，便是后来葬汉高祖的地方，但是子贡认为这个地方用来葬我们的夫子，是不够的，因为那只能算是一个帝王之地，我们夫子是千古圣人，这个地方是不够格的。因此子贡决定葬在曲阜，这是风水家的相传，事出有因，查无实据。 孔门文武事功的二子 子贡如何的捧孔子，下面便是明证： 子贡曰：夫子之文章，可得而闻也。夫子之言性与天道，不可得而 闻也。 以子贡的学问与成就，终于说出孔子的伟大来。他说，我们跟了夫子这么多年，所晓得的，只是他的文章。说到“文章”一词，我们要注意，在这里并不是写稿子的那种文章；古人的所谓文章，包括美好的言语、思想、行为、举动、待人、处世等表之于外的都叫作文章；事理成了一个章法，蕴含艺术的气氛，就叫文章。后来变成狭义的文章，写成某些形式的文字才叫文章。子贡在此说，老师的学问文章，我们都常听到；可是老师有关于人性的本源，与形而上生命的来源的本体论，以及 宇宙最初是怎样开始的？究竟谁造的？是唯物的或唯心的？这个天道——哲学的问题，因我们的程度还不够，老师也就没有跟我们提。所以我们后世只有研究，才看出孔子谈形而上道的哲学和科学问题，四书中关于形而上道的阐述非常少。因此，后世研究孔子的学说，如果有人提出孔子对于形而上的观念是如何如何的，多半是他的孔子如此认定，难为笃论。譬如我们写了一篇文章，内容上说孔子认为如何，如何；多方引证一番，那只能说是我们的孔子，并非孔子的我。这是什么道理呢？根据子贡的话：“夫子之言性与天道，不可得而闻也。”可见他因这班弟子的程度还不够，所以很少跟他们提到。 本篇到此，话题一转，这里说子路的好处了。 子路有闻，未之能行，唯恐有闻。 子路尽管那么粗暴，那么冲动，但子路的品德特别好，武功也好，孔子的确喜欢他。他是后来在卫国出大乱的时候战死的。卫国发生变乱时，他刚从外面回来，原来他可以躲开这场祸乱的，但他没有逃避，他听到消息认为“见危授命”，更应该前去，不能逃避。他进去以后，正在战乱，他参加作战而死亡，临死时一身都是创伤，但他认为儒者之死，应该整其衣冠。所以临命终时，抱着重伤，戴上帽子，整理好衣服，端端正正，然后才断气。一个人一身创伤，还如此从容，知道大限已至，整理衣冠，扣好扣子，死得端正，这种精神修养，太不容易，他能如此，决非偶然。所以这里说子路最怕听见孔子讲话，为什么？因为他怕听了做不到，有愧于为学。道理明白了，行为要配合得上，此即所谓“履践”的工夫。他因为怕做不到事理合一之境，等于是自欺，所以他最怕老师的教诲。 盖棺成定论 本篇这一节之前，都是讲学生的故事。 子贡问曰：孔文子何以谓之文也？子曰：敏而好学，不耻下问，是以谓之文也。 这节开始讲到孔子对于当时及其前后时代人物的评论。这个人物的评论，包括了如何作学问与整体的文化精神。现在这里先介绍一个人。他就是孔文子，姓孔名圉，是卫国的大夫。文子的“文”的来源，是中国古代的谥法，从周朝开始，一直流传下来的，民国以来，因为几十年都在战乱之中，国家多故，我们文化中的这一点还没有恢复。 什么是谥法？简单一句话，就是一个人死后的定论。这是一件很慎重的事，只有中国历史文化才有的，连皇帝都逃不过谥法的褒贬。我们要晓得，这一点便是中国文化春秋大义的精神所在，同时更应该使下一代记取这具深义的特点。中国古代做皇帝、做官的最怕这个谥法，怕他死后留下万世的骂名，甚至连累子孙抬不起头。因此他们为国家做事情，要想争取的是万世之名，不愿死后替子孙留下臭名，更不愿在历史上留个骂名。这个就叫谥法——也就是死后的一字之定评。皇帝死了就由 大臣集议，或史官作评语，像汉朝的文帝、武帝，称谓“文”、“武”，都是谥法给他们的“谥号”。“哀帝”就惨了，汉朝最后那个帝为“献”帝，也含有奉献给别人，送上去的悲哀。可见这个谥法很厉害。王阳明，是他本人的号，后来加谥为“文成”。曾国藩，后人称他曾文正公，“文正”两字是清朝给他的谥号。死后的评语够得上称为“文成”、“文正”的，上下五千年历史，纵横十万里国土，虽然有几亿的人口，其中却数不出几个人，最多一二十人而已。这是中国文化中谥法的谨严。所以中国人做官也好，做事也好，他的精神目标，是要对后代负责；不但对这一辈子要负责任，对后世仍旧要负责任。如宋代的名臣，也是理学家的赵拤，他一度放到四川作“省主席”——比拟现代的官位来说。他自己骑一头跛脚骡子，带了一个老仆人、一琴、一鹤去上任，到了省城里，全城的文武官员，出城来接新主席，却看不到人，谁知道那个坐在茶馆里面，一琴、一鹤相随的糟老头子就是新上任的主席。当然他不止是当主席，也当过谏议大夫，是很有名的名臣——历史上成为名臣不容易。有所谓大臣、名臣、具臣、忠臣、功臣、奸臣、佞臣等等。所谓忠臣、奸臣，看小说都知道，不必细说了。要够得上成为一个名臣，很不容易，够得上一个大臣，更难。大臣不一定在历史上很出名，可是他一定有安定天下后世的功业。我们不希望看到奸臣，也不希望看到忠臣，这话怎么说呢？我们晓得文天祥是忠臣，岳飞也是忠臣，但是我们不希望国家遭遇到他们当时那样的时代。我们希望看到的是名臣、大臣，像赵拤就是名臣、大臣。他最后退下来，回到家里，写了一首诗：“腰佩黄金已退藏，个中消息也寻常，世人欲识高斋老，只是柯村赵四郎。”不要看错了，说他腰里都是黄金美钞所以退休了。这个黄金不是黄金美钞，看京剧就知道，所谓“斗大黄金印，年高白玉堂。”古代方面大员的印信，实际上是一颗铜的大印，叫作“黄金印”，有如现在中央部会的印，铸印局用铜铸的，也可叫黄金印。“腰佩黄金已退藏”，是说退还了那颗黄金印。“个中消息也寻常”，一生风云人物，其实很平常。“世人欲识高斋老”，他下来以后所住的地方叫高斋，他说你们以为住在高斋的这个老头子有什么了不起，而想认识认识他是何等样的人吗？“只是柯村赵四郎”，其实还是当年住在柯村的赵老四啊！他是那么平淡，那么平凡。所以一个最了不起的人，是最平凡的人。真做到平凡，才是真了不起。而赵拤最后的谥号是两个字“清献”，历史上的赵清献公，就是赵拤，他一生都奉献给国家，而一生清正，到达这个程度是很难的。其他的名臣很多，在这里一时也说不完。 总之，中国过去的历史文化，非常重视这个谥法，而我们现在呢！大有陆放翁诗的：“斜阳古柳赵家庄，负鼓盲翁正作场。死后是非谁管得，满村听说蔡中郎。”管他的！死了就拉到，老子死后，你要骂就骂吧！只要我现在活得舒服就对了。我们不要忘记了，谥法就是中国文化的精神，等到邦有道时，这些东西仍然要恢复起来才对。试看西方的文化，西方的精神，不管文人、英雄，死了就死了。像法国人，一提到就只有拿破仑。拿破仑又有什么了不起，崛起只有二十来年，五十多岁就死了，而且是个失败的英雄，比楚霸王还差劲，什么拿破仑的！在中国历史上这种英雄多得很，只因为历史上多是同情失败的英雄，所以“徒使竖子成名耳”。现在的西方文化更搞不清楚，“死后是非谁管得，生前拚命自宣传。”可是我们中国人要懂中国文化谥法的道理和精神。 同时我们也要知道，像日本明治维新的几个重要人物之一——伊藤博文的名言：“计利应计天下利，求名当求万世名。”这是吸收中国文化的东西，日本人自称东方文化，其实都是道地的中国文化。我们这一代青年，那种短见，那种义利之不分，实在“匪夷所思”。刚才我们几个人谈到现代青年对现代知识的贫乏，什么都没有，一谈就是考什么学校，为了待遇多少，为了求生活，这些是从前我们从来不考虑的。现在搞成这个样子，真是文化精神的衰退，实在值得我们多加注意。这是谈到谥法引出来的题外感想。 现在回到原文。卫国的大夫孔圉，死后谥作文。子贡问孔子“何以谓之文也？”一个人一生作人做事，要怎么样才够得上称作“文”？“子曰：敏而好学，不耻下问，是以谓之文也。”一个人聪明——聪明的人不大好学的，而且聪明的人往往以为自己的学问够了，尤其我们现代人，容易犯这个毛病，好像自己什么都懂；而且现代人犯一个更大的毛病，地位越高了，好像自己学问也随之而越高深了，这是很成问题的。要敏而好学，越聪明越好学，为自己，为事业都好，这才是了不起的人 things.第二点更难了：“不耻下问”，什么叫下问？比我不如的人，也要虚心向他请教求证。人要有自知之明，那样行就是行，即使行了，以能问于不能，作为参考，这才叫能够集思广益。孔子说一个人能够敏而好学，再加上不耻下问的谦德，才符合“文”这个字的内涵。曾国藩的了不起，就是幕府中的人才多，他的智囊团组织大，第一流的人才都参加，大家的智慧变成他的智慧。诸葛亮的了不起，也是幕府人才非常多。所以要“敏而好学，不耻下问”才叫做“文”。