social status

  • The Analects – Chapter 9.12

    When Confucius fell seriously ill, Zilu arranged for his disciples to act as household ministers, preparing to conduct funeral rites befitting a high official. After Confucius recovered and learned what had happened, he said, “It’s been a long time since Zilu started practicing deceit! I have no ministers, yet he pretends I do. Whom…

  • The Analects – Chapter 9.6

    The Grand Steward asked Zigong, “Is your Master a sage? How is it that he possesses so many talents?” Zigong replied, “Heaven surely destined him to become a sage, and furthermore endowed him with diverse abilities.” When Confucius heard this, he said, “Does the Grand Steward really understand me? In my youth I was…

  • The culture of Names and Courtesy Names in Three Kingdoms

    In ancient China, a person’s name typically consisted of three parts: family name, given name, and courtesy name (or style name). Some individuals also had “clan name” or “pseudonym” (usually self-given titles). This article will briefly introduce the composition and characteristics of ancient Chinese names, using examples from Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

  • Caigentan 93. Virtue over title

    If an ordinary person secretly stores up virtue and does charitable deeds he is as influential as a duke or minister despite his lack of fame and position.