Analects 2.7: 為政 (Wei Zheng)
Confucius and his disciples · Classical Chinese original · new English translation and commentary by Text Atlas
Overview
Book 2 connects government with the character and practices of those who govern. The pole-star image and the contrast between punishment and ritual give two ways of thinking about how people respond to authority. Four answers about filial devotion move through ritual, parental concern, reverence, and demeanor. Sayings on learning then test how knowledge appears in thought, conduct, and honest acknowledgment of limits. The closing exchanges return to public authority, trustworthiness, inherited ritual, and the courage to act on what is right. The collection repeatedly asks what gives outward action its substance.
Analects 2.7
子游問孝、子曰、今之孝者、是謂能養、至於犬馬、皆能有養、不敬、何以別乎。
Ziyou asked about filial devotion. The Master said, “These days people call it filial devotion to be able to provide support. But even dogs and horses receive support. Without reverence, what distinguishes the two?”
Commentary
translation Who provides the support? The answer to Ziyou turns on 養, sustaining life. This translation takes the dogs and horses as animals people feed: provision alone leaves care for parents indistinguishable from feeding animals. Legge instead makes the animals able to give support. On either construction, 敬, reverence, is the quality that distinguishes filial care.
Basis: translation-comparison
Confidence: medium