The Analects – Chapter 11.3

Among Confucius’s disciples, each excelled in different areas: Yan Yuan, Min Ziqian, Ran Boniu, and Zhong Gong stood out in moral character; Zai Wo and Zi Gong were gifted in speech (diplomatic eloquence and debate); Ran You and Ji Lu (Zilu) were skilled in state affairs; and Zi You and Zi Xia excelled in classical literature (the study and transmission of ancient texts and ritual documents).

Note

This passage from the Analects reflects Confucius’s educational philosophy of “teaching students according to their aptitudes” and fostering specialized excellence within holistic moral development.

Rather than molding all disciples into identical “perfect persons,” Confucius carefully observed their innate talents and interests, guiding each to cultivate strengths in one of four domains: moral conduct, eloquence, administrative competence, or literary scholarship. Significantly, moral character is listed first – indicating that, for Confucius, ethical cultivation is the foundation upon which all other abilities must rest. No matter one’s specialty, it must be grounded in humaneness. Together, these four categories represent the multifaceted ideal of the Confucian junzi (noble person): inner virtue, practical governance skills, persuasive communication, and cultural literacy.

This classification not only demonstrates Confucius’s insight as an educator who recognized individual differences but also established a model for later Confucian talent development – one that balances moral unity with functional specialization.

Further Reading

The Master said, “Those of average ability or above can be taught higher things; those below average cannot be taught the highest.” Analects 6.21 (Yong Ye)

Both emphasize differentiated instruction based on individual capacity – core to Confucius’s pedagogical method.

Zilu asked, “Should I act immediately upon hearing something?” The Master replied… “Qiu tends to hold back, so I encourage him; You is overly bold, so I restrain him.” Analects 11.22 (Xian Jin)

Direct illustration of “teaching according to disposition” – Confucius tailors advice to each disciple’s personality, just as he categorizes their strengths in chapter 11.3 of the Analects.

德行：顏淵，閔子騫，冉伯牛，仲弓。言語：宰我，子貢。政事：冉有，季路。文學：子游，子夏。