A common man of Song obtained an unpolished jade and presented it to Zi Han, who refused it. The man said: “This is a treasure, fit for noblemen, not for ordinary people.” Zi Han replied: “You regard jade as treasure; I regard refusing your jade as treasure.”
The common man desired jade, while Zi Han did not. Hence the saying: “Desire non‑desire, and do not value rare goods.”
Note
This passage delivers a moral‑political principle: moral integrity rather than rare wealth is true treasure; restraining desire for precious goods secures noble character and stable governance.
Late Warring‑States Legalist philosopher. This passage is from Illustrating Laozi (Yu Lao), his commentary on the Dao De Jing. He turns Daoist anti‑greed ethics into official integrity standards.
Zi Han
A virtuous minister of the State of Song, famous for refusing jade gifts and valuing moral integrity over material treasure.
Zi Han Refusing Jade Parable
A well‑known Chinese moral story: moral integrity is more precious than rare material treasures.
Non‑Desire as Desire
Daoist principle re‑interpreted: true desire is to have no craving for rare valuables.
Legalist Official Virtue
Rulers and officials must reject material temptation to maintain authority and public trust.
宋之鄙人得璞玉而獻之子罕，子罕不受，鄙人曰：「此寶也，宜為君子器，不宜為細人用。」子罕曰：「爾以玉為寶，我以不受子玉為寶。」是鄙人欲玉，而子罕不欲玉。故曰：「欲不欲，而不貴難得之貨。」
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