This chapter fiercely refutes Confucianism. It criticizes hierarchical mourning, fatalism, empty rituals and Confucian hypocrisy, and accuses Confucius of political scheming and inconsistent conduct, dismissing his doctrines as harmful to state welfare.
Confucius said, “When outside, I serve dukes and ministers; at home, I serve my father and elder brothers. In matters of mourning, I never fail to do my utmost; I am never overcome by wine. What difficulty is there for me in these things?”