Confucius said to his disciples, “Who can go and advise Zi Xi to stop fishing for fame and reputation?”
Zigong said, “I can.” So Zigong went and advised Zi Xi, after which he no longer doubted (that Zi Xi would continue to fish for fame and reputation).
Confucius remarked, “How broad-minded he is, not tempted by personal gain! How pure – the constancy of human nature! What is crooked remains crooked, and what is straight remains straight.”
Confucius said, “Zi Xi cannot escape disaster.”
Later, during the Bai Gong Rebellion, Zi Xi died in it. Hence the saying: “A person who appears upright in conduct may yield to desire.”
Note
Outer upright conduct cannot conceal inner selfish craving; hidden desires will eventually lead people into disaster.
Late Warring States Legalist, quotes Confucius‘ historical judgment to analyze human desire and hypocrisy.
Confucius
Confucius, the ancient great Confucian sage.
Zigong
Distinguished disciple of Confucius, shrewd diplomat and merchant.
Zixi (Shen Yin Xi)
Prime minister of State of Chu, famed senior official.
Baigong Sheng
Chu noble who staged the Baigong rebellion and killed Zixi.
Baigong Rebellion
A famous civil unrest in the State of Chu during Spring and Autumn period, resulting in the death of top minister Zixi.
Distinction between outer conduct and inner desire: Pre-Qin thinkers emphasized outward bearing can be feigned, while hidden desire decides a person’s final fate.
Legalist viewpoint on human nature
Han Fei believed desire is inherent in human beings; hidden greed will ruin officials despite upright appearance.
孔子謂弟子曰：「孰能導子西之釣名也？」子貢曰：「賜也能。」乃導之，不復疑也。孔子曰：「寬哉，不被於利；絜哉，民性有恆。曲為曲，直為直。孔子曰子西不免。」白公之難，子西死焉。故曰：「直於行者曲於欲。」
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