Analects Book 11 Chapter 26

What would you do if many appreciated you? Better yet, what would a virtuous gentleman do? According to Kongzi, the gentleman wouldn’t ask that question or concern himself with what he would do. As shown in this passage of the Analects, the affection of the people and the decisions one makes when they have that adoration comes with knowing the Way. In this excerpt from the Confucian text, Kongzi asks his four followers, Zilu, Zengxi, Ran Qui, and Zihua if someone were to appreciate them what they would do. They each tell their master their plans. Each one except Zengxi spoke of statehood and wanting to be a nobleman. Kongzi thinks the three who concern themselves with statehood don’t understand the Way or what it takes to be a rightful leader. Zilu was the first to offer his ideas. His plans were based on him being the leader of a thousand chariots. Surrounding his chariots are two powerful states who make a habit of invading his small state. His state is also stricken with famine. He claims in three years time he would arm his people with courage and morality. To Kongzi, and the Way, Zilu’s aspirations are far fetched and show that he does not grasp the point of the rituals he and the others are doing. When asked by Zengxi, Kongzi said, “His words fail to present a proper sense of deference.” He doesn’t see how extensively ritualistic one must be to achieve the status of a leader who can infuse his people with courage and morality. Ran Qiu is next to describe his aspirations. He says if he just had fifty square li that the people living within his land would have all they need. He shows some humility by saying any artistic education or ritual leadership would be left up to a virtuous gentleman. Regardless of what Ran Qui leaves up to the gentleman, fifty square li still counts as a state, which means he is still concerning himself with statehood. He isn’t virtuous or good so why would he aspire to such things? Zihua takes his turn after Ran Qiu to