5.7
The Master said, “The Way/Dao makes no progress. I shall get upon a raft and float out to sea. I am sure You would come with me.”
Zilu on hearing of this was in high spirits. The Master said, “That is You indeed! He sets far too much store by feats of physical daring. It seems as though I should never get hold of the right sort of people.”
子曰：「道不行，乘桴浮于海。從我者其由與？」子路聞之喜。子曰：「由也好勇過我，無所取材。」
Notes
This dialogue from the Analects occurred after Confucius’ repeated political failures during his travels between states. His lament “my Way does not prevail” carries layers of meaning: the sorrow of thwarted ideals, acute insight into his disciples’ temperaments, and an implicit dialectic on Confucian “advancement” versus “retreat”.
Confucius dedicated his life to “restraining oneself to revive the rites” and “bringing benevolence to the world”. Yet in the Spring and Autumn period‘s “collapse of rites and music”, warlords prioritized hegemony over humane governance, leaving his political vision unrealized.
Confucianism teaches “succeed to serve all; fail to cultivate oneself alone”. The phrase “float away on the sea” symbolizes the ultimate form of self-cultivation — withdrawing entirely if the Way proves impossible, rather than moral compromise. Yet this was never Confucius’ true desire.
Zilu, fiercely loyal and daring (e.g., repeatedly protecting Confucius during their travels), stood as the most steadfast disciple. Though often rebuked for impulsiveness, his devotion never wavered.
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