The Analects – Chapter 10.12

The stable caught fire. When Confucius returned from court, his first question was, “Was anyone hurt?” He did not ask about the horses.

Note

This brief account from the Analects of Confucius powerfully embodies the Confucian core value of humaneness or benevolence – as fundamentally centered on care for people. Faced with a sudden disaster, Confucius’s immediate concern was human safety, not property (horses were valuable assets in his time). The telling detail – “he did not ask about the horses” – does not imply disregard for animals or wealth, but clearly prioritizes human life and dignity above material loss. This is a spontaneous expression of benevolence: placing human welfare first and extending empathy from oneself to others. Confucius was not indifferent to horses (other passages show his respect for their role in ritual); yet when forced to choose between human well-being and property, he unhesitatingly chose compassion for people. This ethical hierarchy establishes the humanistic foundation of Confucianism: institutions, rituals, and wealth all exist ultimately to serve human flourishing. Though concise, this episode is one of the most vivid illustrations of the Confucian principle of “valuing people over things” and “putting humanity first.”

Further Reading

Fan Chi asked about humaneness. The Master said, “It is to love others.” Analects 12.22 (Yan Yuan)

Directly defines ren as “loving people,” which is precisely what Confucius demonstrates in chapter 10.12 by prioritizing human injury over animal loss.

Zigong said, “What if someone broadly benefits the people and rescues the masses – what about that? Can it be called benevolence?” The Master replied, “That goes beyond benevolence – it must be sagehood!” Analects 6.30 (Yong Ye)

Reinforces that caring for the people’s welfare is the highest moral concern – consistent with Confucius’s instinctive focus on human harm in chapter 10.12 of the Analects.

廄焚。子退朝，曰：「傷人乎？」不問馬。