Hundred schools of thought contended for truth in pre-Qin Dynasty. Confucius 5 Who was a good student?

In fact, Confucius' comments on Gong Xihua are not in this article, but in Gongye Chang. At that time, there was a nobleman named Meng in Lu. He asked Confucius and Gong Xihua if they were "benevolent". Confucius' answer is that he can be responsible for the military service and military affairs of the country of Qiancheng, Ran can be the housekeeper of the princess and doctor, and Gong Xihua can be a diplomat and host. Are they "benevolent"? I don't know. Besides, these two articles are both advanced articles, and they also record the dialogue between Confucius and Ji Ziran (who may be Ji's people). This man asked Confucius: Are He Ran a "minister"? Confucius replied that the two of them can be regarded as "ministers". The meaning is also clear: not "minister".

Putting these materials together, Confucius' view is very clear: he affirmed the abilities of Lutz, You Ran and Gong Xihua, and his statement is the same as their self-evaluation, but he has reservations about their realm. What is a "minister"? Is a servant with the ability to work. What is a "minister"? Confucius' definition is "to serve the monarch with Tao, and to stop if you can't". In other words, monarchs (including princes and doctors) are assisted by avenue and justice. If not, resign. Obviously, Lutz and You Ran couldn't do this, so Confucius didn't recognize them as "ministers". Therefore, Ji Ziran asked: Will they listen to the boss in everything? Are they followers of the boss? Confucius said that killing his father and killing his king did not follow. This is clear: He Ran has the ability to work and can govern the country; Have a moral bottom line and will not kill your father; However, it has not reached the highest level of "ruling the monarch by Tao and Fukashi".

This is Luz and You Ran. Where's Gong Xihua? He is also very capable, especially good at diplomacy. According to the Analects of Confucius, Gong Xihua sent an envoy to Qi. After Gong Xihua left, You Ran asked Confucius for millet for his mother. Is this "please Xiaomi" for use or borrowed? I don't know. Why can You Ran "invite millet" from Confucius? Because You Ran, who is good at managing money, is Confucius' butler at this time. He was the first to slaughter Confucius and manage money for him, and then he slaughtered Ji Kangzi and managed money for Ji Kangzi. Ran has "please millet". What did Confucius say? Confucius said, give him six buckets and four liters. Ran asked for a little more. Confucius said: Then add two buckets and four liters. And the result? You Ran's millet greatly exceeded this figure. Confucius was unhappy. Confucius said that Archie went to Qi, sitting in a limousine (riding a fat horse) and wearing beautiful clothes (clothes and fur). Gentleman "quick success and instant benefit", but he can only give charcoal in the snow, which can add icing on the cake?

This matter is a mystery, and many questions are unclear. For example, Gong Xihua is on a business trip. Why did he ask Confucius for money? Is he on business (for Lu Jun) or private (for Confucius)? Gong Xihua "rides a fat horse and dresses lightly". Why is his mother still broke? Gong Xihua's family lacks money and food. Why didn't he say he was going to please Xiaomi? These issues have been controversial in academic circles. In my opinion, Gong Xihua is on a business trip. He "rides a fat horse and goes into battle lightly", which is the treatment given to him by Lu Jun and also for the dignity of Lu. However, public funds can't be used privately, and Gong Xihua can't give Lu Jun's money to his mother, or let her "ride a fat horse and dress lightly" like herself. Embezzlement of public funds is disloyal, and it is unfilial for a mother to have no money. Loyalty and filial piety can't be satisfactory, Gong Xihua can only do so. However, You Ran believes that a person who has decent scenery outside cannot be poor at home. But I can't tell Lu Jun about this, so I have to ask the teacher for money. Confucius thought You Ran's request was reasonable, so he approved six buckets and four liters, plus two buckets and four liters. What about You Ran? Thinking that such a little millet could not make Gong Xihua's mother as decent as her son, she offered a large sum. This is different from Confucius' idea. Confucius believed that even charity would not do this. What's more, what Ran did, or his generosity to others?

In fact, just after the chapter "Making, Ranzi Inviting Su as Mother", there are related records, and there are also in "The Analects of Confucius Yong Ye". This record says that Confucius had a student named Si Yuan. Originally thought to be Yuanxian, the word Zisi, was born in 5 15 BC, 36 years younger than Confucius, "Huangpu Phase III". This man is a poor student. If Zi Gong is the richest disciple of Confucius, Yuan Zhen is the poorest. Gong Xihua has no money at home, which is relative to his scenery outside. Yuan Xian is so poor that he is so poor. Perhaps for this reason, Confucius asked him to be his own housekeeper (after You Ran slaughtered Ji Kangzi) and gave him "Su Jiubai". 900 what? Fight? l？ Hello? Stone? I don't know, but Confucius' salary is "60,000 yuan", and 900 yuan is also quite a lot. But won-hyun doesn't want it. Confucius said: Don't refuse. If you don't eat yourself, you can give it to the villagers! It can be seen that Confucius is not stingy, but principled. Give as much as you should, and don't give if you shouldn't.

Of course, this is just my guess. Talk nonsense. But three things can also be seen from it. First, Confucius' living standard is at least well-off, otherwise it is impossible to give students so much money. Second, Confucius is like a family of doctors, with a boss (Confucius) and a housekeeper (slaughter). Third, Confucius has a good relationship between teachers and students, like family. Sir, you have a little autonomy. Classmates are like brothers, even taking care of family affairs.

This is the situation of Gong Xihua. Has Gong Xihua reached the highest level? No, either. What is the highest state in Confucius' mind? What is Confucius' evaluation of Gong Xihua? Like Lutz and You Ran, they also "don't know their benevolence". What about the other students? Confucius didn't say, probably not. Because in Confucius' view, even he can't reach it. Confucius made it very clear: "How dare I be holy and benevolent" (The Analects of Confucius). In other words, I don't deserve the two evaluations of holiness and benevolence. Confucius is not worthy, let alone a student.

Some people say that Confucius' words are modest and can't be taken seriously. Because in "If I am a saint, how dare I?" There is also Confucius' self-evaluation that I am "tireless in teaching others" (I can be said to be a floating cloud). So people thought: Confucius, you're not just tired of learning and educating people, are you? Confucius' realm is not just that, is it? It can be seen that "if you are holy and kind, how dare I" is modesty.

Is Confucius modest? Not necessarily. In fact, the evaluation of "never tired of it and never tired of teaching others" is not low. So Gong Xihua immediately replied: This is exactly what we can't learn (only disciples can't learn). Of course, Gong Xihua may also be flattering. But in any case, Confucius himself is not a "benevolent", nor are the students, including Zeng.

So, what did Confucius appreciate about Zeng Xi?

This question is difficult to answer. Among Confucius' disciples, Zeng was far less important than his son Zeng Shen. He appeared once in The Analects of Confucius. According to Mencius, he is not Confucius' favorite student. Mencius said that what Confucius admired most was "a man of the Bank of China", the so-called "the middle way". Second-class people are "savages" and are called "lunatics". Wait a minute, it's a "gentleman", called a "gentleman". The last one is "Mr. Nice guy", called "hometown" (also called "hometown wish"). People in China Bank had better be impartial, follow the rules and conform to the golden mean. Wild people are aggressive, but ambitious, not leaking, followed by others. An honest man lives an honest and clean life, but he is passive and inactive. On the surface, Mr. Nice guy is very kind, but in fact, he is in cahoots with others. Seems blameless. At worst, he is simply a thief who endangers morality, that is, a thief of virtue. He used to be a second-class savage, that is, "the so-called madness of Confucius" ("Mencius"). How can Confucius appreciate it? But if Confucius doesn't appreciate it, what does he mean by "I'll take care of it"

Sorry, nobody knows. Even Zeng himself was puzzled by this. After class, he deliberately left behind and asked questions just because he didn't understand why the teacher praised him just now. Unfortunately, I didn't dare to ask directly, and Confucius didn't answer directly. After talking for a long time, I was still unclear, which provoked future generations to speculate. Since Zhu, there have been different opinions. I quite agree with Mr. Li Zehou. Confucius may just "admire for a while" and may not have any deep meaning. But it doesn't mean anything, and I'm afraid it's not. Meaning, there should be a little. In fact, although Zeng himself was not Confucius' favorite pupil, Confucius really appreciated his wish of "bathing in explanation, dancing in the wind and singing in return". The so-called "Me and Master Dian" is not only Confucius' "momentary admiration" but also his "sincere admiration".

This is interesting. What do you mean? I think it's music.

Music is one of the important categories of Confucius' theory. Confucius believes that the highest realm of being a man is "benevolence" and the highest realm of reading is "happiness". Confucius famously said, "The knower is not as good as the doer, and the doer is not as good as the musician" (The Analects of Confucius Yong Ye). In other words, for knowledge and learning, knowing is not as good as liking, liking is not as good as being happy, and happiness is the highest state. Why? Confucius didn't say it, but he could guess it from another sentence. Another famous saying of Confucius is that "ancient scholars are for themselves, and today's scholars are human beings" (constitutional question in The Analects of Confucius). There is another sentence that can be used as a reference, that is, "A gentleman seeks for himself, while a villain seeks for others" (The Analects of Wei Linggong). You are yourself; People are others. For yourself, for yourself; Being a man is for others. Similarly, self-seeking is self-seeking; Asking for help is asking for help. Therefore, these two sentences can be understood as "it is better to be yourself than to be a man" and "it is better to help yourself than to ask for help".

This is hard for some people to accept. Confucius, a great saint, how could he say such "selfish" words? Therefore, some Confucian scholars in later generations tried to make some circuitous explanations, such as interpreting "seeking" as demanding and blaming. In fact, if we define this statement within the scope of research, it is completely correct. Man, why study? After all, I did it for myself. In a small room, it is to make a living by yourself; In a big way, it is to be an upright person. We can even say that self-reliance is to be an upright person. Making a living is everyone's own business, and no one else can replace it. Being a man is everyone's own business, and others can't control it. Living with a clear conscience is a gentleman; Live for others, show others, this is the villain. This is called "ancient scholars are themselves, and today's scholars are human beings." For yourself, you can only rely on yourself. The so-called "self-help" means relying on yourself. The so-called "asking for others" means relying on others. Who is reliable, others or yourself? Myself. There has never been a savior, nor does it rely on the immortal emperor. We have the responsibility to create human happiness. The explanation of The Internationale is better than that of those sour scholars.

Reading, studying, studying, since it is for yourself, you can only rely on yourself, so you must be happy. Because the purpose of learning is human happiness. If the expression of happiness is actually pain, then it is still not happiness, which becomes a problem. Besides, in Confucius' view, learning is a lifelong thing. If learning is painful, isn't it painful for a lifetime? In fact, Confucius has always emphasized happiness. The first sentence in The Analects of Confucius is "Learning from time to time is better than saying (pleasing)" ("Learning the Analects"). This is also a sentence that has been unclear. When, on time, or always? Study, practice or review? Controversial. But what is certain is that learning should be happy and enjoyable. In fact, you see how happy Confucius' teaching is, such as his discussion with students. His classroom is simply a "happy camp". Therefore, I have never been in favor of "learning from the sea is endless" or advocating "hanging my head and tying my legs". My slogan is: If all schools and classrooms are full of happiness, education in China will be a real success!

Learning is very interesting. Whoever learns happily is a good student of Confucius. We don't know whether it has ever been done. But he was at least happy, or thought happiness was very important, so Confucius agreed with him. However, if you are as eager to learn as Confucius and as happy as ever, I'm afraid you will become a proud pupil of Confucius.

So, who is this man?

Yan Hui. Yan Hui, with deep words, is also called Yan Yuan. He was born in 522 BC and died in 48 BC1year, 30 years younger than Confucius, in the "Huangpu Phase II". Yan Hui is often praised by teachers, and he is most loved by Confucius. Besides, Confucius praised him too much. For example, as mentioned earlier, Confucius was asked twice "Who is a studious disciple", and Confucius replied "Those who have Yan Hui are studious", saying that Yan Hui died, as if no one else was his student (see The Analects of Confucius and The Analects of Confucius Advanced respectively). Confucius even said that among his students, only Yan Hui could do it, that is, "his heart does not violate benevolence in March", that is, it does not violate benevolence for a long time. As for other students, they can support him for ten days and a half at most (The Analects of Confucius is a perpetual career). Boy! Fortunately, Yan Hui just "didn't violate", not "achieved". Otherwise, he even surpassed the teacher.

Why does Yan Hui please the teacher? There are many reasons, such as studious, obedient, understanding and so on. But I think Yan Hui's happiness is probably an important reason. Confucius once praised Yan Hui like this: "What a virtuous man! A spoonful of food and a spoonful of drink. In the mean lane, people are worried if they can't bear it, and they don't change their fun when they go back. Xian zai hui also! " (The Analects of Confucius) Hey, it's a bamboo basket filled with rice; A ladle is a ladle for scooping water. The so-called "eat a spoonful and drink a spoonful" means that life is extremely poor and simple. This is unbearable for many people. Only Yan Hui "does not change his pleasure". Poor and happy? Do you like living in slums? Of course not. Obviously, Yan Hui's pleasure lies in finding his way, reading and studying, not in finding food, drinking and making mean streets. In other words, Yan Hui will be happy as long as he is knowledgeable. It doesn't matter what you eat, what you drink or where you live. It's called "no fun". It's from Yan Hui. Happiness is Yan Hui's own, primitive and inherent happiness. Therefore, Yan Hui's "no change in pleasure" means taking learning and morality as happiness. This is the highest realm of seeking Tao and studying. No wonder Confucius praised him like an aria: good job! Xian zai hui ye!

Confucius praised Yan Hui not only in front of other students, but also in comparison with other students. For example, as we said before, Confucius once asked Zi Gong who was stronger, you or Yan Hui. The clever Zigong immediately said that Yan Hui was much better than Achi, and Confucius was very happy. Confucius even felt wronged for Yan Hui. He said that Yan Hui's knowledge and morality are good (even though he is poor), but he is as poor as a mouse in a church. A Ci didn't keep his duty (ordered) to do business and was opportunistic, but he guessed one every time (100 million won repeatedly) and made a fortune (Advanced Analects of Confucius). I'm afraid that's a problem. Yan Hui himself "does not change his pleasure". What's your family's hurry? Being poor and happy is good, but being an official and doing business is also good! In retrospect, when your old man was going back to China, didn't Zi Gong and Ran set off (please refer to Historical Records of Confucius)? Zi Gong doesn't earn money, Ran doesn't become an official, everyone learns from Yan Hui, and your family travels around the world. Who will sponsor you? Your dad is going home. Who can help?

Therefore, when Confucius praised Yan Hui, some people accepted and some people refused. Who refuses to accept? Luz. According to the Analects of Confucius, Confucius once said to Yan Hui in front of Luz: If someone uses it, he will be an official (if someone uses it, he will be an official); If nobody uses it, he will retire (if he stays, he will hide). Only the two of us can do this (only my husband and I)! Lutz was very unhappy when he heard it. Lutz said, if Mr. Wang goes to March to fight, who will he be with? Confucius certainly understood Lutz's meaning, so he retorted: Anyway, he won't be with those who beat the tiger empty-handed, cross the river barefoot and die without regret!

Ha ha! This is really fun! You see, it's not like a dialogue between saints, it's just a quarrel between children. But what I like most when reading The Analects of Confucius is this real scene. Like Li Zehou and Mr. Li Ling, I like Luz and Zigong best. They are brave and resourceful, just like Li Kui jy and Wu Yong. They really love evil spirits! In fact, Lutz's words are reasonable. Your family always praises Yan Hui. Who does things, who spends money, who protects the country?

But Confucius' words are also reasonable, that is, Lutz's recklessness is not desirable. Confucius actually liked Luz. He once praised Luz like this: The only one who stands with people wearing old robes and fur coats and is not ashamed is Ayu? Others are rich but not jealous, and they are poor but not greedy. How could it be bad? Lutz seldom praised him, so he kept saying these words. Confucius said again, but what are you talking about (the Analects of Confucius)? This is knocking. Why does Confucius always knock on the door? Just because the sub-road is too steep and dangerous! He is worried that something will go wrong in the sub-road. According to the advanced Analects of Confucius, Confucius even said: people like Ayou may not die a natural death (if they do, they will not die a natural death)!

Confucius' words were originally a joke. Confucius was talking with four students. The eldest son, Min Ziqian, looked respectful and serious. You Ran and Zi Gong talked and laughed and lived a happy life. Where's Luz? "Walking as if" (the sound is gone) is just stupid and awkward. Confucius said this as a joke, but it came true. In 480 BC, there was civil strife in Weiguo, and the situation was very critical. Confucius was worried because "most of his disciples were officials in Wei" (Historical Records Confucius Family). According to Zuo Zhuan's fifteen years of mourning for the public, Confucius said: A Chai will come back and Ayou is dead (Chai is here, and you are dead)! The firewood is high firewood, word lamb or lamb in season (firewood is a kind of sheep, firewood sheep), and "Huangpu Phase II" is thirty years (or forty years) younger than Confucius. He is short, ugly and has a low IQ. According to the Advanced Analects of Confucius, Confucius commented on his harmony: Gao Chai was stupid and Zhong You was reckless. As a result, Gao Chai, who was short and stupid, came back, and Luz, who was strong and heroic, died miserably (see the third section of this chapter). Confucius felt really hard.

Luz died heroically when Confucius was seventy-two years old. At this time, what was Confucius' condition and state of mind? ?