Duke Ling of Wei asked Confucius about military formations. Confucius replied, “I have heard about matters of ritual vessels and sacrifices; as for military affairs, I have never studied them.” The next day, he left Wei.
Note
This exchange from the Analects of Confucius – Lunyu clearly reflects his political philosophy that prioritizes moral ritual over military force, and his principle of “not collaborating when paths diverge.”
As ruler of a state, Duke Ling did not inquire about governance, virtue, or people’s welfare, but directly asked about warfare tactics – revealing his focus on hegemony and power politics rather than benevolent rule and moral education. This fundamentally conflicted with Confucius’ vision of governance through virtue and ritual propriety.
Confucius’s reply – “I have never studied them” – appears modest but is actually a tactful yet firm refusal. He was not ignorant of military matters (historical records like the Zuo Zhuan suggest he understood statecraft and defense), but he deliberately declined to engage in teaching strategies of aggression. For him, “matters of ritual vessels” symbolized social order, ethical norms, and civilizing education – the true foundation of governance – whereas “military affairs” were a last resort, secondary at best.
The phrase “the next day, he left Wei” is especially significant: Confucius did not argue or compromise; he simply departed. This shows that when a ruler pursues technique instead of the Way (Dao), the virtuous person should not linger. His departure was both a defense of his principles and a silent protest against misguided leadership.
This episode aligns with the teaching in Analects 8.13: “When the world is ruled by the Way, appear; when it is not, withdraw,” and echoes Analects 15.32: “The noble person seeks the Way, not sustenance; worries about the Way, not poverty.”
Throughout his travels, Confucius assisted rulers who valued virtue and left those obsessed with war – always letting the Dao guide his actions.
In short, Confucius declares: true governance lies in ritual and moral education, not in weapons and schemes; the scholar must serve only rulers who follow the Way, never aid tyrants or warmongers.
Further Reading
The Master said, “When the world is ruled by the Way, appear; when it is not, withdraw.” Analects 8.13 (Tai Bo)
Both express the principle of withdrawal when rulers abandon moral governance.
The Master said, “The noble person seeks the Way, not sustenance… worries about the Way, not poverty.” Analects 15.32 (Wei Ling Gong)
Emphasizes that the scholar’s priority is moral principle, not personal gain or political expediency – even if it means leaving a position.
衛靈公問陳於孔子。孔子對曰：「俎豆之事，則嘗聞之矣；軍旅之事，未之學也。」明日遂行。
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