Confucius said, "A gentleman is righteous, but a villain is profitable." ("The Analects of Confucius")
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Confucius said, "A gentleman knows the righteousness, but a villain only knows the small profits."
Comment and analysis
"Gentleman's righteousness, villain's benefit" is a legendary sentence that has great influence on later generations in Confucius' theory. This obviously raises the question of justice and interests. Confucius believed that profit should obey righteousness, and righteousness should be more important than profit. What he means is to abide by the morality of hierarchical order and blindly pursue personal interests, which will make mistakes and destroy hierarchical order. Therefore, people who pursue personal interests are regarded as villains. After the development of Confucianism in later generations, this thought has become a sharp opposition between righteousness and benefit, either one or the other.
2. The Art of Balance between Righteousness and Benefit
"A gentleman is figurative, and a villain is figurative." China's philosophy of life always revolves around the words "righteousness" and "benefit". The distinction between a gentleman and a villain is so simple and rude, but now, most people in life are neither villains nor gentlemen, but we should at least see the existence of "profit" and stick to our own morality. As the saying goes, a gentleman does something, and we mainly find a balance between interest and righteousness. The so-called not for profit, not for material services is this truth. Righteousness and benefit, seemingly opposite, are actually the same. "Righteousness" requires people to devote themselves to abstract social entities, while "profit" drives people to devote themselves to secular material interests. Both ignore people's spiritual life and cover up the real "self". "Righteousness" teaches dedication, while "profit" induces possession. The former turns life into fulfilling obligations, while the latter turns life into fighting for rights. I don't know the true value of life is beyond obligations and rights. The meaning of life is neither dedication nor possession. In creation, creation is the active development of human nature, and it is the emotional satisfaction that people get when they realize their own essential strength. To sum up, the so-called righteousness should be a kind of behavior and behavior spirit that pays off. The so-called benefit is not just a kind of taking, the key is not taking or not doing it for nothing. In my opinion, interests and justice are interlinked to some extent. While pursuing interests, we can fully consider the morality of being a man: businessmen pursue the interests of equal exchange, harm others and benefit themselves, satisfy themselves and facilitate others. A gentleman pursues the benefits of goodness in the world. The aim is to cultivate one's morality, govern the country and level the world. The pillars of this country should have brains. Seek to benefit others, not self-interest. Others and the country benefit, and they also benefit. Although everyone has it, it is common for a gentleman to harm others and benefit himself. Such people deserve the reputation and trust of society. The sage's pursuit of profit lies in the people and in the long run; Its benefits can be applied to society and can last forever. Such as Confucius' lover thought, Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi can't be harmonious. It is not only rooted in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, but also continues to this day, benefiting the public. Therefore, those who seek welfare for the country are sages; Those who seek benefits for themselves are also gentlemen, not villains. As long as they are earned by their own hands, it should be said that they are just people who are selfish and do not harm others. In a word, there is no contradiction between benefit and righteousness. There is no distinction between good and evil. It is our heart that distinguishes good from evil. Whether we take advantage or just depends entirely on our hearts. Only by taking advantage reasonably and legally can we have a clear conscience, and justice must be aboveboard to feel at ease.
3. The moral philosophy of The Analects of Confucius, an important ideological resource about justice and benefit in the article Universal Ethics (Liu's argument), has more than 15,000 words.
Throughout the book, there is always a very clear idea: to teach people to handle the relationship between "benefit" and "righteousness", that is, to handle the relationship between interest and morality. This is the basic problem of moral philosophy.
There is always a basic relationship between any society and the places where people live, which is an unavoidable problem for anyone. Many viewpoints expounded in The Analects of Confucius are aimed at teaching people to control benefits (that is, interests) with righteousness (that is, morality), using morality as a tool to balance interests, and firmly controlling people's strong desire for interests within the scope permitted by the overall interests of society, so as to safeguard interests.
From this point of view, on the basis of "Zi Han stresses profit", it is concluded that Confucius and pre-Qin Confucianism only emphasize "righteousness" and exclude "profit". This is an unscientific conclusion that goes against the actual thoughts of Confucius and pre-Qin Confucianism.
In The Analects of Confucius, Confucius and his disciples discussed and debated the relationship between righteousness and benefit for many times, and also made many positive statements, which clearly showed the basic propositions and firm positions of Confucius and pre-Qin Confucianism on the relationship between righteousness and benefit: The Analects of Confucius and Liren have something to say. If you don't follow the path, there is nowhere. Poverty and meanness are disgusting to people; Don't go if you don't get it by the way.
Do it for the benefit, but complain more. A gentleman is figurative, while a villain is figurative.
"The Analects of Confucius Yong Ye Pian" says: Fan Chi seeks knowledge. Confucius said, "I know the significance of serving the people and staying away from ghosts and gods."
"The Analects of Confucius Lutz" records that Xia Zi was killed by Jufu and asked about politics. Confucius said, "Haste makes waste.
Haste makes waste; When you see a small profit, you can't make a big deal. "The Analects of Confucius Xian Wen Pian" also records: Luz asked his adult.
..... Confucius said, "Why do you need to be an adult today? When you see what you want, you can fight with your life. If you don't forget the words for a long time, you can become an adult. " Zhang Zishuo, "A scholar regards danger as his life and sees what he thinks ..." The remarks of Confucius and his disciples about the relationship between righteousness and benefit recorded in The Analects all show that Confucius and his disciples advocate that the relationship between righteousness and benefit should be ruled by righteousness, so as to be in the dynamic development of society.
This basic idea was vividly reflected in Mencius, another master of Confucianism in the pre-Qin period, and in Ming Che. In Mencius Liang Pian, the encounter between Mencius and Liang was recorded.
The king said, "You have come a long way, but will it benefit our country?" Mencius said to him, "Why should you talk about profit? There is also righteousness. " Mencius was afraid that Liang Huiwang would not understand his intention, and then he knew what was at stake: Wang said, "Why is it good for our country?" ? The doctor said, "Why is it good for my family?" ? Shu Ren said, "Why is it good for me?" ? It is dangerous for the state to pay taxes from top to bottom.
If the country of a thousand riders kills its monarch, it will be the home of a thousand riders; A thousand times the country kills its king, then a hundred times the home. It's not too much to walk a thousand roads and a hundred roads.
Righteousness before righteousness, profit first, and embarrassment if you don't take it. Those who leave their relatives without benevolence and righteousness, and those who leave their husbands without benevolence and righteousness.
Wang also said that it was only benevolence and righteousness. Why should he say profit? Zhu made a note after this passage, saying: A gentleman desires without profit, but harms only profit. Different people have different opinions, and it is also good for wise people to see wisdom.
At that time, everyone in the world was mercenary, and they no longer knew that there was a distinction between righteousness and benevolence. Therefore, Mencius said benevolence, not benefit, so it is also the heart of a saint to pull out its plug and save its disadvantages.
Mencius' Teaching to Liang clearly shows Mencius' and pre-Qin Confucianists' views on justice and interests, and emphasizes that justice is used to restrict and guarantee greater, longer-term and more fundamental interests. To this end, we must prevent quick success and instant benefit.
As the king of a country, if you only care about the present and grab "profits" by any means, the result may be that the country is ruined and lost. What is the "profit" at this time? Sima Qian, a thinker and historian in Han dynasty, has a better understanding of this Confucian view of justice and benefit. He said: I read Mencius' book until Liang asked,' Why is it good for our country?' I sighed and never gave up.
Yue: Hehe, it's the beginning of profit-seeking chaos! Masters seldom talk about benefits, but always guard against the original. Therefore, it is said that' put it in the interests and complain more'.
As for Shu Ren during the day, why are the advantages and disadvantages different? (Biography of Mencius and Xun Qing in Historical Records) Sima Qian not only understood, but also affirmed and agreed with the above Confucian concept of justice and benefit. Since Confucius, the concept of justice and benefit of Confucius and pre-Qin Confucianism has had a far-reaching positive impact on the Chinese nation.
For more than two thousand years, it has been the most basic guiding principle for us to deal with and solve all the relationships between "benefit" and "righteousness" at home and abroad. Practice has proved that the basic proposition of "righteousness" controlling "benefit" in pre-Qin Confucianism has strong vitality.
Especially today when China is building a socialist market economy, Confucius' and pre-Qin Confucianists' views of "righteousness" and "benefit" still have many positive effects of promoting good and restraining evil. In international communication, we adhere to this principle. No matter in economic or political exchanges, we can quickly gain each other's trust and make more and more friends.
All this benefits from China's profound traditional culture, especially the profound pre-Qin Confucian culture. Nowadays, the market economy is almost all over the world, and many people "struggle" for some "economic" or "political" interests, which really corresponds to what the ancients said: "Strive for fame in the DPRK and benefit the world."
When we study and discuss the "universal ethics" and moral philosophy of The Analects of Confucius, we should pay attention to and clarify the moral principles of Confucius and pre-Qin Confucianism. Some of the basic ideas still have positive reference for the construction of "universal ethics"
4. Classical Chinese translation: "What you see is what you get" original text
Zhao rou, with a smooth word, is also from Jincheng. Learn to be famous only by virtue. When he was a herdsman in Juqu, he was Minister Jin.
Shizu Pingliangzhou moved the capital. Emperor Gaozong practiced Lang Chang and worshipped him as a writer. After that, he made some achievements in calendar effect, and he was very kind as a satrap in Hanoi. Fine gold beads left by people on the road cost hundreds of dollars. Whispering to God to bring them back. Later, there were hundreds of people, soft and good in the market. I bought it from Rou and asked for 20 silks. Some businessmen know that it's cheap and thirty horses are soft, so they want to take it. Rou said, "Treat people and things. It's a deal. Don't be tempted." Then follow it. If you slap a gentleman, you will be respected and served. (Excerpted from Biography of Zhao Rou in Shu Wei)
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Zhao Rou, a native of Jincheng in the Northern Wei Dynasty, was famous for her virtue and talent when she was young. When Muqin Juqu was Adiqin, Zhao Rou was the minister of a ruler.
After the sai-jo pacified Liangzhou, Zhao Rou went to work in Beijing. After Emperor Gaozong ascended the throne, Zhao Rouren became a writer. Later, because of his previous achievements, he went out to Beijing to be the governor of Hanoi, and his reputation for being kind is very remarkable. Zhao Rou once picked up a golden ball that someone else dropped on the road, worth hundreds of yellow silk horses. Zhao Rou immediately called back the owner and returned it to him. Later, someone gave Zhao Rou hundreds of plowshares, and Zhao Rou took her son Mingshan to the market to sell them. A man wanted to buy Huaba by Zhao Rou, and Zhao Rou asked him for 20 silks. Another businessman saw that his asking price was very low, so he wanted to buy 30 silks. Sun Ming planned to sell them to this businessman. Zhao Judo: "It's a deal, just deal with people. How can you change your mind because of interests? " Sell it to the original person immediately. When the bureaucrats and gentry at that time heard about it, they all admired Zhao Rou.
5. Composition, "Yi Li" model essay students receive a certificate, everyone praises one, and Confucius is both happy and angry. Meditation through time and space, vigilance across the Millennium: we should treat benefit and righteousness rationally.
Interest is the standard to measure justice. Morality seems to be a balance, with righteousness at this end and benefit at that end. Only when justice is measured by interests can moral balance be maintained.
At the moment of crisis and moral confrontation, Wu Juping used her fragile hands to hold the young children who fell from the tall building without hesitation. She chose morality, she chose righteousness, and her hands were broken. She doesn't want to draw a clear line between benefit and righteousness like ordinary people. At the same time, she chose to make a profit, so she accepted the commendation of "the most beautiful mother" and even accepted a big reward. People have different views on this, but I think profit should be the measure of justice, and there is no doubt about Wu Juping's choice. Interest and righteousness are twin brothers, and their relationship seems to be power and obligation. After justice is done, does he Wei collect interest? Is it difficult to "make peace" like doing something bad?
It is really a small matter in China to hand over the valuables found in the city. There is no need for high-profile recognition, and there is no need for rewards and hospitality from the host. However, Yang Li, a patriotic young man, had such an experience in Germany: in order to get him a medal and a bonus of 500 euros, the mayor of Crystal Town actually launched a search by 100 police officers. The mayor once solemnly told Yang Li that the bonus can be waived, but it must be accepted, because it is not only his personal recognition, but also the respect of the whole society for charity. Yes! Do more just things and reap more benefits, which is the measure of justice. Students' acceptance and acceptance, everyone's condemnation and praise, Confucius' joy and anger. Meditation through time and space, vigilance across the Millennium: we should treat benefit and righteousness rationally.
Interest is the standard to measure justice. Morality seems to be a balance, with righteousness at this end and benefit at that end. Only when justice is measured by interests can moral balance be maintained.
At the moment of crisis and moral confrontation, Wu Juping used her fragile hands to hold the young children who fell from the tall building without hesitation. She chose morality, she chose righteousness, and her hands were broken. She doesn't want to draw a clear line between benefit and righteousness like ordinary people. At the same time, she chose to make a profit, so she accepted the commendation of "the most beautiful mother" and even accepted a big reward. People have different views on this, but I think profit should be the measure of justice, and there is no doubt about Wu Juping's choice. Interest and righteousness are twin brothers, and their relationship seems to be power and obligation. After justice is done, does he Wei collect interest? Is it difficult to "make peace" like doing something bad?
It is really a small matter in China to hand over the valuables found in the city. There is no need for high-profile recognition, and there is no need for rewards and hospitality from the host. However, Yang Li, a patriotic young man, had such an experience in Germany: in order to get him a medal and a bonus of 500 euros, the mayor of Crystal Town actually launched a search by 100 police officers. The mayor once solemnly told Yang Li that the bonus can be waived, but it must be accepted, because it is not only his personal recognition, but also the respect of the whole society for charity. Yes! Doing more justice and getting more benefits is the measure of justice. Isn't that the recognition and respect of good deeds by the whole society behind that move?
Interest is an encouragement to justice. Morality is like a flower, righteousness is a flower, and profit is a gentle breeze. Only when righteousness is blown by profit can the fragrance of morality be carried forward.
In the Millennium, Professor Yuan Longping accepted the "highest scientific honor award" of 5 million yuan. I don't know whether the "acceptance" across the Millennium will usher in a sigh from everyone. It's just that Confucius will only praise if he can comment again. Thanks to the popularization of two-line hybrid rice technology in Yuan Longping, he has fed thousands of Chinese people in Qian Qian and hundreds of millions of people in the world. This award is well-deserved for him. More importantly, the reason why the state set up this award is to encourage and call on thousands of outstanding talents in Qian Qian to inherit and carry forward good deeds.
China made a historic breakthrough in the Athens Olympic Games. After the game, the country rewarded the athletes who won the gold medal, which caused a lot of discussion and accusations. But at the same time, the reward effect has achieved excellent results in China, which not only inspired more athletes to create great achievements, but also allowed the torch of "kindness" to be passed on again and again-China women's volleyball team collectively donated money to charity, and fundraising activities such as players and stars signing clothes were common. This is the best interpretation of righteousness and benefit and the best development of morality.
Meditation that spans thousands of years is an alarm to travel through time and space. Water turns into a clear spring, and there is clear and transparent water in your heart, even if it is the benefit of the world. Look at righteousness and benefit rationally, and let the flowers of morality bloom in four seasons. From the internet. I hope it helps you.