The Master said, “When it comes to people, whom have I ever slandered? Whom have I ever praised lightly? If I have praised anyone, it was only after testing and verifying their character. It is precisely these common people who enabled the Three Dynasties – Xia, Shang, and Zhou – to follow the straight path.”
Note
This passage from the Analects of Confucius – Lunyu reveals his caution, fairness, and historical responsibility in evaluating others.
The rhetorical question “Whom have I ever slandered or praised?” underscores that he never criticized or commended others based on personal bias or hearsay. Confucius believed that moral judgment affects social order and public morality, and thus must be exercised with utmost rigor.
“If I have praised anyone, it was only after testing and verifying” shows that even praise was granted only after long-term observation and factual confirmation (“testing” implies examination through conduct). This aligns with the Confucian principle of “listening to words and observing actions” (Analects 5.10) – valuing evidence over eloquence.
The latter part – “It is precisely these common people who enabled the Three Dynasties to follow the straight path” – is especially profound. Confucius identifies ordinary citizens as the foundation upon which the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties upheld zhi dao (the straight, upright Way). This does not mean the masses were perfect, but rather that a society’s ability to maintain justice depends on treating every individual – including commoners – with truthfulness and fairness.
The statement also implicitly criticizes the customs of Confucius’ time: in the Spring and Autumn period, praise and blame were often driven by factionalism or self-interest, not righteousness. By invoking the ideal governance of the Three Dynasties, Confucius calls for restoring a public discourse grounded in facts and virtue.
More deeply, this reflects a core tenet of Confucian political philosophy: a well-ordered society rests on impartial public judgment and fact-based moral evaluation. When praise and blame become distorted, right and wrong are reversed, and the “straight path” collapses into chaos.
In short, Confucius teaches: True public opinion arises from careful verification; the upright way of society is built upon honest and respectful assessment of every individual.
Further Reading
The Master said, “The noble person does not promote someone solely on the basis of his words, nor does he reject someone’s words solely because of who he is.” Analects 15.23 (Wei Ling Gong)
Reinforces objective, evidence-based judgment – avoiding both blind praise and unfair dismissal.
Zizhang asked, “What must a scholar-official be like to be called ‘accomplished’?” The Master said, “…True accomplishment means being upright in substance and devoted to righteousness, perceptive in speech and observant in demeanor, and considerate toward others. Such a person will be known in the state and known in the family.” Analects 12.20 (Yan Yuan)
Distinguishes authentic reputation (based on virtue and verified conduct) from false fame – consistent with cautious praise.
The Master said, “How great was Yao as a ruler! How majestic! Only Heaven is great, and only Yao emulated it. … The common people could find no words to describe him.” Analects 8.19 (Tai Bo)
Highlights the role of the people in recognizing true virtue – implying that genuine greatness earns silent, universal respect, not partisan acclaim.
子曰：「吾之於人也，誰毀誰譽？如有所譽者，其有所試矣。斯民也，三代之所以直道而行也。」
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