pragmatic virtue

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.16

    Zilu said, “Duke Huan of Qi killed Prince Jiu; Shao Hu died for him, but Guan Zhong did not.” He added, “Was he not humane?”The Master replied, “It was through Guan Zhong’s efforts that Duke Huan convened the feudal lords nine times without resorting to war chariots. Wasn’t he humane! Wasn’t he humane!”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.9

    Someone asked Confucius about Zi Chan. The Master said, “He was a man who showed kindness to the people.”He then asked about Zi Xi. Confucius replied, “That man! That man!” (a dismissive and evasive expression).He further asked about Guan Zhong. Confucius said, “He was a true man! He confiscated three hundred households of Bo…