Confucius eliminated four faults: he did not speculate without evidence, did not insist on absolute certainty, did not cling to rigid opinions, and did not prioritize his own self.
Note
These “four eliminations” reflect Confucius’s rational, open-minded, and humble approach to thinking. He rejected baseless conjecture (“do not speculate”), emphasizing reliance on facts; opposed dogmatic certainty (“do not insist absolutely”), advocating flexibility; resisted stubborn adherence to fixed views (“do not cling rigidly”), encouraging adaptability; and avoided egocentrism (“do not center the self”), valuing empathy and respect for others. This is not only a method of learning but also a principle for moral cultivation. It reveals the Confucian ideal of objectivity, balance (the Doctrine of the Mean), and intellectual humility. Maintaining openness and self-reflection in both cognition and conduct is essential to attaining wisdom and humaneness (benevolence).
Further Reading
The Master said, “There may be people who produce without knowledge – I am not one of them. I listen widely, select what is good, and follow it; I observe much and remember it.” Analects 7.28 (Shu Er)
Emphasizes learning from evidence and experience rather than acting on assumption – aligns with “no unfounded speculation”.
The Master said, “The noble person seeks from himself; the petty person seeks from others.” Analects 15.30 (Wei Ling Gong)
Encourages self-examination over blaming others, resonating with “not prioritize his own self” (no self-centeredness) by promoting responsibility without ego.
子絕四：毋意，毋必，毋固，毋我。
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