4.8
The Master said, “In the morning, hear the Dao (the Way); in the evening, die content!”
子曰：「朝聞道，夕死可矣。」
Notes
This statement from the Analects does not devalue life but affirms that the Way (Dao) transcends life itself — without comprehending the Dao, existence lacks direction and meaning; with its realization, even a brief life fulfills its purpose. The statement implicitly rejects the secular view that measures success by fame, wealth, or longevity, redirecting life’s significance from external possessions to inner awakening. This crystallizes Confucianism’s core value: spiritual transcendence over material pursuits.
Confucius also said:
“A scholar with lofty ideals and a man of benevolence will not preserve his life at the expense of benevolence; instead, he will sacrifice his life to uphold benevolence.”(The Analects 15.9)
He regards benevolence as the ultimate value above life itself. This perfectly aligns with the value orientation that “to comprehend the Dao in the morning and die in the evening is worthwhile,” and serves as the guiding principle for practicing this ideal.
This is Confucius’ definitive declaration on life’s ultimate meaning: Value lies not in duration, but in comprehending and embodying the Dao (truth, righteousness, purpose).
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