The Analects – Chapter 77 (4.12). Righteousness over gain in a world of scarcity

4.12

The Master said, “Those whose measures are dictated by mere expediency will arouse continual discontent.”

子曰：「放於利而行，多怨。」

Notes

This statement from the Analects conveys that benefit is a finite resource: when one gains more, others gain less. Should everyone prioritize “profit” above all, it inevitably breeds contention, suspicion, and betrayal.

Confucius also said:

“The gentleman understands the principles of righteousness, while the petty man understands only personal gain.”(Analects 4.16)

This quote and the maxim “acting solely for the sake of profit breeds much resentment” both fall under the Confucian debate on righteousness versus profit.

It points out that petty men, who take profit as their core pursuit, are bound to fall into the interpersonal predicament of “incurring widespread resentment”, whereas gentlemen, who are guided by righteousness, can avoid such a trouble.

The true path to enduring fulfillment lies in anchoring life in “benevolence and righteousness”, guided by the norms of “ritual propriety”. Benefit must be sought within the bounds of righteousness, never placed above it.