5.25
Once when Yan Hui and Zilu were waiting upon him the Master said, “Suppose each of you were to tell his wish.”
Zilu said,”I should like to have carriages and horses, clothes and fur rugs, share them with my friends and feel no annoyance if they were returned to me the worse for wear.”
Yan Hui said, “I should like never to boast of my good qualities nor make a fuss about the trouble I take on behalf of others.”
Zilu said, “A thing I should like is to hear the Master’s wish.”
The Master said, “In dealing with the aged, to be of comfort to them; in dealing with friends, to be of good faith with them; in dealing with the young, to cherish them.”
顏淵、季路侍。子曰：「盍各言爾志？」子路曰：「願車馬、衣輕裘，與朋友共。敝之而無憾。」顏淵曰：「願無伐善，無施勞。」子路曰：「願聞子之志。」子曰：「老者安之，朋友信之，少者懷之。」
Notes
This classic dialogue from the Analects occurred between Confucius and his disciples Yan Yuan and Zilu about aspirations reveals Confucianism’s graded value system — progressing from self to others in expanding circles of care.
Zilu’s Aspiration:
“I wish to share my chariot, horses, fine robes, and furs with friends, and feel no regret if they become worn.”
Centered on material sharing among friends, it reflects his chivalrous spirit and embodies Confucian benevolence at its foundational level.
Yan Yuan’s Aspiration:
“I wish never to boast of my virtues nor impose burdens upon others.”
Focused on inner moral refinement, it complements Zilu’s external generosity, expressing Confucianism’s profound pursuit of ethical integrity.
Confucius’ Aspiration:
“To give comfort to the aged, build trust with friends, and nurture care for the young.”
Transcending personal ties to embrace universal social responsibility, it elevates the disciples’ ideals, manifesting the ultimate Confucian vision of benevolence — benevolent love for all.
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