Ziyou admits Zizhang boasts rare admirable merits yet judges he has not attained full benevolence. It reveals Confucianism sets an extremely high bar for benevolence, a perfect inner moral state far beyond merely outstanding external conduct.
Ziyou states mourning rituals only need sincere, full grief, no excessive formalities or unbridled sorrow. This embodies Confucian moderation: genuine inner grief matters most, yet emotions must stay restrained by reason to avoid harming oneself.
Ziyou criticizes Zixia’s students for only mastering trivial daily etiquette yet lacking core moral roots. Zixia refutes that teaching follows a natural order, starting with basics before profound truths; only sages can seamlessly integrate fundamentals and superficial practices.
Confucius playfully teases Ziyou for using refined ritual music to govern tiny Wucheng. Ziyou quotes Confucius’ own teaching that all people benefit from education. Confucius admits his joke, showing his humility and belief that universal musical education suits every place and rank.
6.14When Ziyou was governor of the Wucheng (Wu City), the Master said, “Have you managed to get hold of the right sort of people there?”
4.26 Ziyou said, “In the service of one’s prince repeated scolding can only lead to loss of favour; in friendship, it can only lead to estrangement.