Chapter 777: Kongzi spoke many more words

Kongzi spoke many more words.

April 29: Kongzi spoke many more words.

Kongzi and Laozi met; Laozi repeatedly admonished Kongzi, seeking wisdom. Someone therefore judged: Laozi's wisdom far surpasses Kongzi's. Otherwise, why would Laozi seek wisdom from Kongzi?

Laozi also told Kongzi: "Those who are perceptive and insightful yet close to death like to criticize others' faults. Those whose extensive argumentation endangers themselves are wicked. As a son, one should not be self-centered; as a minister, one need not be self-centered."

Laozi's meaning is: Those who are overly clever and wise must be humble and cautious, not flaunt their wisdom, or use their cleverness and wisdom to criticize others' flaws; then others will despise you, abandon you, even secretly plot harm against you, bringing unexpected troubles. As a son, one must also never think only of oneself; likewise for a minister. One must not rejoice in things, not grieve for oneself, first worry about the world's troubles, then rejoice in the world's happiness.

Not rejoicing in things, not grieving for oneself, first worrying about the world's troubles, then rejoicing in the world's happiness—Kongzi achieved this; however, regarding "those who like to criticize others' faults," Kongzi did not follow Laozi's advice.

Those who like to criticize others' faults are indeed Kongzi's forte. From rulers to commoners, from gentlemen to petty people, from family to outsiders, Kongzi would judge almost anyone he met, whether their shortcomings or strengths; he would always give timely comments and criticism.

Even his student Zilu said: "Teacher, why are you so pedantic! Why do you so enjoy discussing others' faults and place such importance on your reputation?"

But Kongzi not only did not accept the student's reproach, he did not listen to the student's words, and moreover launched another tirade against Zilu. Kongzi said to Zilu: "Zilu, how rude and uncouth you are, using such a tone to speak to your teacher? I have often told you: a gentleman, when faced with principles he does not understand, always maintains an attitude of doubt, never pretending to understand what he does not. One who pretends to understand what he does not—is that not a false gentleman?"

In any undertaking, one must have proper status. If the status is not correct, speech will not be smooth; if speech is not smooth, nothing will be accomplished.

Without status, speech will not be reasonable; speech unreasonable; speech unreasonable, then no one will listen, no one listens, then nothing can be accomplished. If nothing can be accomplished, the ritual and music system cannot be established; if the ritual and music system cannot be established, the application of punishments will be inappropriate; if punishments are applied inappropriately, the common people will not know what to do in their every move.

Therefore, a gentleman must all the more establish his own status.

With status, only then will his words be heard; only when heard do they count as speech; unheard words are as good as unsaid. Why then speak unsaid words? Writing essays is the same. A petty person's writing, because he is petty, will be read by few; if one is a great person or celebrity, it differs. If you do not write essays, you are merely farting, and others will find it fragrant.

Laozi interrupted Kongzi's train of thought, saying: ……………………..