3.8
Zixia asked, saying, “What is the meaning of
Oh the sweet smile dimpling,
The lovely eyes so black and white!
Plain silk that you would take for coloured stuff.”
The Master said, “The painting comes after the plain groundwork.”
Zixia said, “Then ritual comes afterwards?”
The Master said, “Shang it is who bears me up. At last I have someone with whom I can discuss the Songs!”
子夏問曰：「『巧笑倩兮，美目盼兮，素以為絢兮。』何謂也？」子曰：「繪事後素。」曰：「禮後乎？」子曰：「起予者商也！始可與言詩已矣。」
Notes
This profoundly philosophical dialogue between Confucius and his disciple Zixia from the Analects appears to discuss verses from the Book of Songs(The Classic of Poetry) superficially, yet delves into Confucianism’s core principles on the relationship between “ritual and benevolence” and “refinement and substance”.
Note that The Book of Songs (Book of Poetry) was employed as a diplomatic and political tool during the Spring and Autumn Period, and Confucius endowed it with the function of moral education.
Zixia quotes verses describing the beauty of Zhuang Jiang, to which Confucius responds with the metaphor: “Painting begins with plain silk.” This sparks Zixia’s insight — “Does ritual too have its foundation?” — marking a leap from poetic sensibility to philosophical reasoning. Confucius then exclaims with heartfelt admiration: “How you enlighten me!” This rare praise embodies Confucius’ humility and wisdom in embracing “teaching and learning as mutual growth”.
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