Confucius said, “The commander of an army of three divisions may be taken away, but the will of an ordinary man cannot be taken from him.”
Note
This statement by Confucius from the Analects uses a striking contrast to highlight the inviolability of one’s inner resolve or moral conviction. Even the highest military leader – commanding vast forces – can be captured or replaced through force or strategy. Yet an ordinary individual, however powerless in social status, possesses a will that no external power can truly seize if it is firmly held. This reflects Confucianism’s deep respect for individual moral autonomy: true strength lies not in external authority, but in inner integrity and steadfast purpose. Confucius thus urges people to establish and hold fast to their moral aspirations, for this resolve is the foundation of personal dignity and ethical independence. The saying has inspired generations of Confucian scholars to uphold righteousness regardless of pressure or temptation – embodying the ideal that “might cannot subdue the morally resolute.”
Further Reading
Zengzi said, “A scholar must be broad-minded and resolute, for his burden is heavy and his road long. To take humaneness as one’s personal mission – is that not weighty? To continue until death – is that not distant?” Analects 8.7 (Tai Bo)
Both emphasize unwavering commitment to a moral mission; “cannot be deprived of one’s will” aligns with “continue until death.”
The Master said, “The determined scholar and the humane person do not seek to preserve life at the expense of humaneness; they sacrifice their lives to fulfill humaneness.” Analects 15.8 (Wei Ling Gong)
Reinforces that moral conviction overrides even survival instinct – consistent with the unassailable nature of “zhi” in chapter 9.26.
子曰：「三軍可奪帥也，匹夫不可奪志也。」
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