Analects 13.25: 子路 (Zi Lu)
Confucius and his disciples · Classical Chinese original · new English translation and commentary by Text Atlas
Overview
Book 13 asks what makes government effective and what qualifies someone to serve. Leading by example, appointing capable people, setting names right, creating prosperity, and teaching all place demands on the ruler. Short claims about conduct stand beside long exchanges about speech, judgment, and the time needed for change. The book also tests uprightness, reputation, reliability, and harmony through particular relationships, sometimes leaving a difficult tension visible, as when family concealment is praised. Its closing sayings make preparation for war a responsibility toward the people who must fight.
Analects 13.25
子曰、君子易事而難說也、說之不以道、不說也、及其使人也、器之。小人難事而易說也、說之雖不以道、說也、及其使人也、求備焉。
The Master said, “An exemplary person is easy to serve and hard to please. Try to please them by going against the Way, and they will not be pleased. But when they employ people, they use them according to their abilities. A petty person is hard to serve and easy to please. Even if you try to please them by going against the Way, they will be pleased. But when they employ people, they demand that each be able to do everything.”
Commentary
politics The standard for approval and the use of ability The exemplary person’s approval is governed by 道, the Way, while their demands on others take account of each person’s capacities. 器之 gives the use of people the image of a vessel suited to a purpose. The petty person reverses the balance: easily pleased by improper means, yet requiring every ability from those who serve. The contrast makes ethical standards compatible with realistic expectations.
Basis: textual-inference
Confidence: high