Analects 7.4: 述而 (Shu Er)
Confucius and his disciples · Classical Chinese original · new English translation and commentary by Text Atlas
Overview
Book 7 builds a portrait of the Master through self-descriptions, conversations, and observations of his conduct. He loves the ancient tradition, learns through sustained attention, and teaches by asking learners to carry an indication further. Music, mourning, plain food, and illness show how these commitments enter daily life. Political judgment calls for knowing when to act or withdraw and for accepting criticism. Repeated disclaimers about his own attainment sit beside confidence in Heaven and the nearness of humaneness. The closing portrait holds warmth, firmness, respect, and ease together.
Analects 7.4
子之燕居、申申如也、夭夭如也。
When the Master was at leisure, he was relaxed and cheerful.
Commentary
philology An ease the observers can see 申申 and 夭夭 describe the Master’s bearing at leisure. Their repeated sounds give the brief portrait a lingering rhythm. “Relaxed and cheerful” follows the movement from unstrained bearing to a pleasing outward manner.
Basis: textual-inference
Confidence: medium