I. Interpretation
Confucius' after-the-fact painting is to use white silk as the background first, and then embroider patterns with colorful silk threads. This is a technique of ancient embroidery, and it is also Confucius' explanation of the three poems of "clever smile, beautiful eyes and beautiful eyes" in the Book of Songs.
Confucius thought that these three poems described the appearance and temperament of a beautiful woman. Although she has natural beauty and charm, she still needs to decorate and improve herself with etiquette, just like a white silk needs to be embroidered with colorful patterns to be more beautiful.
Second, the source
In the Analects of Confucius Ba Shu, Confucius said to Xia Zi, "I am smart and smiling, and my eyes are expecting. I always thought it was gorgeous. " This means that you have a smart smile and beautiful eyes. If you have good quality, you will be better. The "element" here refers to the white foundation, that is, the inherent virtue of human beings.
Third, the truth reflected by the painting afterwards
"After painting" means "after painting", which means to lay the foundation with white before painting. The key to this story lies in "after the ceremony". Xia Zi refers to the things that should be followed in learning etiquette. The answer is benevolence. Confucius meant to learn rites and music with existing benevolence, so Confucius spoke highly of Xia Zi's "after rites" and said that he inspired himself.
Two themes surrounding the wonderful dialogue between Confucius and Xia Zi
1. The importance of learning and thinking
In the dialogue between Confucius and Xia Zi, the importance of learning and thinking was repeatedly emphasized. Confucius believes that learning is not only a skill or knowledge, but also a moral cultivation and promotion. He encouraged Xia Zi to improve his moral quality and wisdom by studying and thinking, so as to become a better person.
Confucius also emphasized the connection between learning and thinking. He believes that only through the combination of thinking and learning can we truly understand the nature and laws of things. He encouraged Xia Zi to be good at thinking in the process of learning, and to understand what he had learned through his own thinking, so as to improve his wisdom and judgment.
2. The teaching philosophy of teaching students in accordance with their aptitude.
The dialogue between Confucius and Xia Zi also involves the teaching concept of teaching students in accordance with their aptitude. Confucius believes that each student's personality, ability and hobbies are different, so different teaching plans and methods should be formulated according to the specific conditions of students.
He encouraged summer to make appropriate teaching plans and methods according to the actual situation of students, and give full play to the advantages and potential of each student. He also warned Xia Zi to pay attention to the different needs and characteristics of students and adopt different teaching methods for different students, so as to maximize the advantages and potential of each student.