3.26
The Master said, “High office filled by men of narrow views, ritual performed without reverence, the forms of mourning observed without grief — these are things I cannot bear to see!”
子曰：「居上不寬，為禮不敬，臨喪不哀，吾何以觀之哉？」
Notes
This statement from the Analects reflects Confucius’ profound critique of the ritual system of his time becoming mere formality, and of rulers’ hypocrisy and moral failure. It expresses his disillusionment and resignation toward ritual institutions that existed in name only.
Specifically, he condemned:
- Rulers imposing tyrannical rule, enforcing draconian laws, and lacking compassion;
- Ritual ceremonies performed as empty formalities without sincere reverence;
- Perfunctory conduct during mourning rites — where genuine grief should prevail — even exploiting funerals for ostentatious displays.
These three failings represent the collapse of fundamental virtues expected of those in high positions. When the people witness such decay, they lose faith entirely, and the transformative power of ritual is utterly destroyed.
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