This closing chapter simply lists eight virtuous Zhou scholars. Contrasting the present era’s reclusive, despairing elites, it expresses Confucius’ longing for Zhou’s prosperous age of abundant talents, strengthening his faith in reviving the lost ritual Way.
Rang Fu was a man from the time of Emperor Yao. During the reign of Emperor Yao, the world was in perfect harmony, and the common people had no troubles.
Shan Juan was a worthy man of antiquity. Emperor Yao heard that he had attained the Dao and thus faced north to study under him as a teacher. After Yao completed his reign, Shun also offered to yield the world to Shan Juan.