Zizhang was learning with a view to official emolument. The Master said, “Hear much, but maintain silence as regards doubtful points and be cautious in speaking of the rest; then you will seldom get into trouble. See much, but ignore what it is dangerous to have seen, and be cautious in acting upon the rest; then you will seldom want to undo your acts. He who seldom gets into trouble about what he has said and seldom does anything that he afterwards wishes he had not done, will be sure incidentally to get his reward.”
子张学干禄。子曰：“多闻阙疑，慎言其余，则寡尤；多见阙殆，慎行其余，则寡悔。言寡尤，行寡悔，禄在其中矣。”
Notes
Zizhang, a disciple of Confucius in his later years, was ambitious and sought official rank through political advancement. In the dialogue from the Analects, Confucius advised him to achieve a faultless character through “extensive listening and observation, prudent speech and action” — thereby naturally attaining position and emolument.
- Listen broadly: Leave doubtful matters in reserve; speak cautiously only on what is certain — this reduces errors.
- Observe widely: Set aside risky endeavors; act prudently only on secure grounds — this minimizes mistakes.
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