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The Analects – Chapter 10.16
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When sleeping, he did not lie stiffly like a corpse; when at home, he was relaxed and unpretentious. Yet whenever he saw someone in mourning dress – even if they were close friends – he would always change his expression to one of solemnity. When encountering someone wearing a ceremonial cap or a blind…
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The Analects – Chapter 10.15
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When a friend died and had no family to care for the funeral, Confucius said, “I will handle his burial.” When friends gave gifts – even something as valuable as a carriage and horses – he would not bow in thanks unless the gift was sacrificial meat.
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The Analects – Chapter 10.14
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When Confucius entered the Grand Temple (the ancestral temple of the ruler), he asked about every detail of the rites.
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The Analects – Chapter 10.13
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When the ruler granted cooked food, Confucius would always straighten his mat and taste it first as a sign of respect. When granted raw meat, he would cook it and first offer it to his ancestors. When granted a live animal, he would raise it alive. When dining with the ruler, as soon as…
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The Analects – Chapter 10.12
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The stable caught fire. When Confucius returned from court, his first question was, “Was anyone hurt?” He did not ask about the horses.