A reclusive Lu gatekeeper mocks Confucius via Zigong, calling him one who knows reform is hopeless yet still strives. The line reveals the core divide: Daoist detachment versus Confucian persistent moral devotion, and the guard was admired for his sharp insight.
Mencius states scholars may take low-paid minor posts to escape poverty, as Confucius did managing stores and pastures. Two moral rules apply: low-ranking officials must not meddle in state affairs, while high officials shame themselves if they fail to uphold their ideals.
Zilu spent the night at the Stone Gate. At dawn, the gatekeeper asked him, “Where do you come from?”Zilu replied, “From Master Kong’s.”The gatekeeper said, “Ah – is he not the one who knows it’s impossible, yet still does it?”