The Analects – Chapter 191 (8.5). Zengzi’s tribute to Yan Hui’s virtue

8.5

Master Zeng said, “Clever, yet not ashamed to consult those less clever than himself; widely gifted, yet not ashamed to consult those with few gifts; having, yet seeming not to have; full, yet seeming empty; offended against, yet never contesting – long ago I had a friend whose ways were such as this.”

曾子曰：「以能問於不能，以多問於寡；有若無，實若虛，犯而不校，昔者吾友嘗從事於斯矣。」

Notes

This passage from the Analects is Zengzi’s tribute to his friend (widely believed to be Yan Hui, Confucius’ most virtuous disciple, renowned for “never transferring anger nor repeating errors“). It commemorates a noble character:

• Seeking guidance from those less capable or knowledgeable;
• Embracing humility by concealing his merits (appearing ordinary despite inner richness);
• Bearing offenses without resentment.

These actions embody the Confucian ideal of humility, forbearance, and self-effacing virtue.

“When three people walk together, there must be someone who can be my teacher. I choose their good qualities and follow them, and reflect on their shortcomings to correct my own.”(Analects 7.22)

It echoes the notion of “the capable learning from the incapable, the knowledgeable learning from the less knowledgeable” with the idea that “everyone, regardless of their wisdom or ignorance, has something worthy of being learned”. It extends humble inquiry into a universal learning methodology, breaking the cognitive limitation of “being arrogant about one’s own capabilities over others’ inadequacies”.

“He was quick-witted and fond of learning, and he did not feel ashamed to seek advice from those of lower status.”(Analects 5.15)

If one lacks knowledge about something, they should humbly consult others, regardless of the latter’s social status or position. It embodies the spirit of pursuing knowledge with the belief that everyone is equal in the face of knowledge.

“When Confucius entered the Grand Temple, he asked about everything. Someone said: ‘Who claims that the son of the man from Zou understands ritual? He enters the Grand Temple and asks about every single thing.’ When Confucius heard this, he replied: ‘This is precisely the essence of ritual.’”(Analects 3.15)

When Confucius entered the Grand Temple, he sought guidance on every matter. He elevated humble inquiry to the very essence of ritual propriety.