Mencius said, “When Confucius left the State of Lu, he said, ‘Let us proceed slowly.’ This is the proper way to leave one’s parent state (one’s native country). When he left the State of Qi, he scooped up the washed rice and departed without waiting to cook it. This is the proper way to leave a foreign state.”
Note
This passage from the Jin Xin II chapter of the Mencius vividly portrays the Confucian sense of proportion and flexibility in practicing “propriety” (Li) and “righteousness” (Yi), through Confucius’ distinctly different behaviors when leaving different states. Drawing on historical context and Confucian classics, we can understand its underlying thought through the following dimensions:
- Attachment to the Native Land and the Deep Affection of Propriety: “Let Us Proceed Slowly”
The “parent state” refers to one’s native country. When Confucius was forced to leave Lu after his efforts to implement benevolent governance were thwarted, his heart was filled with attachment, reluctance, and profound sorrow; thus, he walked very slowly. This reflects the deep emotional bond Confucianism holds for one’s ancestral state, as well as the filial piety and sense of duty embedded in the “way of leaving one’s parent state.” This slowness was a final tribute to the rituals and culture of his homeland. - Assess the Situation and Make Decisive Resolutions: “Scooped Up the Washed Rice and Departed”
To Confucius, the State of Qi was merely a “foreign state” (a place of temporary residence). While in Qi, Duke Jing had considered employing Confucius but ultimately failed to follow through and even grew suspicious of him. Perceiving the deterioration of the political environment and potential danger, Confucius made a prompt decision to protect himself and uphold his principles. He left hastily with the wet rice, without waiting to cook it. This demonstrates the political wisdom and decisiveness of Confucianism to “act when the opportunity arises” and never dally when facing a crisis. - The Confucian Philosophy of “Timeliness” and “Expediency” in Conduct
This passage profoundly reflects the wisdom of “expediency” (flexible adaptation) within the Confucian concept of the “Doctrine of the Mean.” Confucianism emphasizes “propriety,” but propriety is not a rigid dogma; it must be adjusted according to specific times, places, emotions, and circumstances (i.e., “timeliness”). One must value “emotion” when dealing with one’s native land, and “reason” when dealing with a host state. Confucius’ varying behavioral patterns in different situations illustrate that a true sage possesses both profound moral sentiments and acute practical judgment, achieving a harmonious blend of reason and emotion, and knowing exactly when to advance and when to retreat.
孟子曰：“孔子之去鲁，曰：‘迟迟吾行也。’去父母国之道也。去齐，接淅而行，去他国之道也。”
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