Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
Two Daoist farmer hermits Changju and Jieni dismiss Confucius’ quest to reform the chaotic world, advocating complete seclusion instead. Confucius grievingly insists on his moral duty to engage with humanity amid disorder.
Mencius tells persuader Song Goujian to stay calm whether recognized or ignored by rulers. Cherishing virtue and righteousness brings poise: uphold morality in hardship, follow the Way in success, cultivate oneself alone or benefit all the world.
Zengzi counsels newly appointed judge Yang Fu: rulers’ abandonment of the Way has long driven people to crime. When uncovering offenders’ truths, judges must hold compassion instead of pride, embodying Confucian benevolent and reflective justice.
Zixia admits small crafts hold merits yet warns overindulgence traps people and blocks pursuit of the supreme Dao. A gentleman prioritizes grand moral and social ideals instead of fixating on trivial technical skills.
Zilu meets a farming hermit who mocks scholars for avoiding labor yet treats Zilu politely. When Zilu returns, the hermit has left. Zilu argues seclusion abandons ruler-minister ethics; gentlemen serve to uphold righteousness even knowing their ideals will fail.
Two farming hermits mock Confucius’ futile political efforts and urge seclusion from a chaotic world. Distressed yet resolute, Confucius states he must stand with humanity, striving to reform the world precisely because the Dao does not prevail.
Liu Xia Hui was repeatedly dismissed as judge for upholding upright principles. He refused to flee his homeland: compromising morality would make leaving pointless, while sticking to integrity brings setbacks everywhere. The passage praises his unyielding moral integrity and devotion to his native state.
This article reviews Confucius’ whole life milestones. At 55, he left Lu for a 14-year wandering across states to promote ritual governance, enduring hunger and threats. He laughed off being called a stray dog, embodying perseverance before returning to Lu to focus on teaching and classics editing.
Rebel Bixi invited Confucius, who intended to go despite Zilu’s protest citing his old moral rule. Confucius claimed virtuous hearts stay untainted amid corruption and refused to stay idle like a useless gourd, showing his urge to spread the Dao though he never actually went.