6.28
When the Master went to see Nanzi, Zilu was not pleased. Whereupon the Master made a solemn declaration concerning his visit, saying, “Whatsoever I have done amiss, may Heaven avert it, may Heaven avert it!”
子見南子，子路不說。夫子矢之曰：「予所否者，天厭之！天厭之！」
Notes
This controversial episode from The Analects reveals Confucius’ tension between unyielding principle and pragmatic flexibility during his encounter with Nanzi, followed by his disciple Zilu’s confrontation.
- Nanzi: Consort of Duke Ling of Wei, renowned for beauty but infamous for alleged affairs (e.g., with Prince Chao)
- Zilu: Confucius’ morally rigid disciple who questioned the meeting’s propriety
- Confucius’ dilemma: To practice the Way, he needed Nanzi’s political influence despite her reputation
Confucius defended himself: “If I have done wrong, may Heaven reject me!” — demonstrating both frustration at misunderstanding and transparency in motive.
The incident epitomizes Confucian “round externally, square internally” ethos: adapting methods without compromising core values.
Confucius spent his life advocating virtue and ritual propriety, and upheld the principle of “governing with moral virtue”. Yet the society of his time, the Spring and Autumn era, valued external attributes over inner integrity, and prioritized utilitarian gains over moral character – those in power cared nothing about a person’s moral cultivation, judging them only by their ability to speak persuasively and their physical attractiveness. This quote embodies Confucius’ helplessness and indignation at such an inverted social ethos.
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