Zigong asked, “Which is more virtuous – Zi Zhang or Zi Xia?” The Master replied, “Zi Zhang goes too far; Zi Xia falls short.” Zigong then asked, “Then is Zi Zhang better?” The Master said, “To go too far is just as bad as not going far enough.”
Note
This dialogue from the Analects of Confucius crystallizes the Confucian doctrine of the Mean (zhong yong or the Golden Mean). Moral excellence is not found in extremes – even well-intentioned excess – but in balanced, contextually appropriate action. Zi Zhang’s “excess” might manifest as rigid formality or overzealousness; Zi Xia’s “deficiency” as excessive modesty or timidity. Both deviate from the golden middle path. Confucius rejects the common assumption that “more virtue is always better”; instead, true virtue requires precision and harmony. His famous dictum “excess is no better than deficiency” underscores that ethical conduct must be calibrated to circumstance – not measured by intensity alone. This principle applies not only to personal character but also to governance, ritual, and education. The passage thus affirms that Confucian ethics is a practice of discernment, not mere adherence to rules or accumulation of good deeds – it is about achieving the right measure at the right time.
Further Reading
The Master said, “The virtue of the Mean (zhong yong) is the highest! For a long time, the people have lacked it.” Analects 6.29 (Yong Ye)
Directly articulates the ideal of the Mean as supreme virtue – “excess and deficiency” are failures to achieve this balance.
The Master was gentle yet stern, dignified but not fierce, respectful and at ease. Analects 7.38 (Shu Er)
Describes Confucius himself as embodying balanced traits – neither excessive nor deficient – exemplifying the Mean in personal demeanor.
The Master said, “If I cannot find one who follows the Mean, I would choose between the bold and the cautious. The bold strive forward; the cautious refrain from wrongdoing.” Analects 13.21 (Zi Lu)
Acknowledges that most people fall short of the Mean – some err by excess (“bold”), others by deficiency (“cautious”) – mirroring Zi Zhang and Zi Xia.
子貢問：「師與商也孰賢？」子曰：「師也過，商也不及。」曰：「然則師愈與？」子曰：「過猶不及。」
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