• The Analects – Chapter 12.24

    Zengzi said, “The noble person gathers friends through shared study of cultural texts, and uses friendship to support the cultivation of humaneness.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.23

    Zigong asked about friendship. The Master said, “Give loyal advice and guide gently; if he does not accept it, stop—do not humiliate yourself.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.22

    Fan Chi asked about humaneness. The Master said, “It is to love others.”He then asked about wisdom. The Master said, “It is to know people.”Fan Chi did not fully grasp this. The Master added, “Raise the upright and place them above the crooked—this will cause the crooked to become upright.”After leaving, Fan Chi went…

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.21

    While walking with Confucius beneath the Wuyu altar, Fan Chi asked, “May I ask how one can elevate virtue, correct hidden faults, and discern confusion?”

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.20

    Zi Zhang asked, “What must a scholar-official be like to be considered ‘influential’ (illustrious, truly accomplished or genuinely influential)?”The Master asked in return, “What do you mean by ‘influential’?”Zi Zhang replied, “Someone who is well-known in the state and well-known in his family.”Confucius said, “That is merely fame or reputation, not true ‘influential’.True ‘influential’…

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.19

    Ji Kangzi asked Confucius about governance, saying, “What if I execute those who are unprincipled in order to bring people onto the right path? How would that be?”Confucius replied, “In your governance, why resort to killing? If you yourself desire goodness, the people will become good. The virtue of the noble person is like…