This entry explains idiom “Jun zi zhi jiao dan ru shui”, from both Liji and Zhuangzi. It means noble‑character people’s sincere, value‑based friendship is plain yet enduring, unlike interest‑driven fleeting bonds.
5.12 Zigong said, “What I do not want others to do to me, I have no desire to do to others.” The Master said, “Oh Ci! You have not quite got to that point yet.”
4.18 The Master said, “In serving his father and mother a man may gently remonstrate with them. But if he sees that he has failed to change their opinion, he should resume an attitude of deference and not thwart them; may feel discouraged, but not resentful.”