The Analects – Chapter 111 (5.21). Confucius on Ning Wuzi’s wisdom in prosperity and adversity

5.21

The Master said, “Ning Wu so long as the Way prevailed in his country showed wisdom; but when the Way no longer prevailed, he showed his folly. To such wisdom as his we may all attain; but not to such folly!”

子曰：「甯武子邦有道則知，邦無道則愚。其知可及也，其愚不可及也。」

Notes

Ning Wuzi, a minister of Wei State during the Spring and Autumn Period, was praised by Confucius for his dual wisdom:

• In prosperity: He brilliantly displayed his talents.
• In adversity: He played simplicity while concealing his brilliance.

Remarkably, Ning Wuzi preserved both his life and the state’s stability amidst successive coups in Wei. Confucius’ tribute highlights his adaptive survival wisdom in turbulent times.

Similar sayings can also be found in the Analects, such as:

“In a country ruled according to the Way, he would not be overlooked; in a country not ruled according to the Way, he would manage to avoid capital punishment or mutilation.”(Analects 5.2)

Confucius’ insight here also converges with Daoist thought, revealing Confucianism’s profound grasp of realpolitik.

As the Tao Te Ching states:

“Great skill appears clumsy; great wisdom seems foolish.”