SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • The Analects – Chapter 19.21

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    Ana

    Zigong compares a gentleman’s faults to solar and lunar eclipses. His mistakes are visible to all, yet when he sincerely amends them, people admire him greatly, highlighting honesty and courage to correct wrongs as core virtues.

  • The Analects – Chapter 19.20

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    Ana

    Zigong notes King Zhou’s evils were overstated by later generations. He warns gentlemen to avoid a tainted moral standing; once reputations collapse, all worldly blame will unfairly fall on them.

  • The Analects – Chapter 19.19

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    Ana

    Zengzi counsels newly appointed judge Yang Fu: rulers’ abandonment of the Way has long driven people to crime. When uncovering offenders’ truths, judges must hold compassion instead of pride, embodying Confucian benevolent and reflective justice.

  • The Analects – Chapter 19.18

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    Ana

    Zengzi passes on Confucius’ comment: Meng Zhuangzi’s ordinary filial deeds are easy to imitate, yet his restraint to retain his late father’s officials and policies stands as rare, supreme filial piety integrating morality and stable governance.

  • The Analects – Chapter 19.17

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    Ana

    Zengzi relays Confucius’ view: people rarely pour out their full genuine emotions, except when mourning parents. This innate heartfelt grief rooted in blood ties forms the natural foundation of Confucian filial piety and authentic ritual sentiment.

  • The Analects – Chapter 19.16

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    Ana

    Zengzi acknowledges Zizhang’s dignified bearing but remarks it hard to cultivate benevolence with him. He implies Zizhang overemphasizes outward grandeur while lacking the sincere inner simplicity that true benevolence demands.