Original text

1·1 Confucius said (1): "If you learn (2) and practice (3) from time to time, don't you also say (4)? You have a friend (5)" Isn’t it a pleasure to come from afar (6)? Isn’t it a gentleman (9) if a person doesn’t know (7) but is not stunned (8)?”

Notes

(1) )zi: An honorific title for men with status and knowledge in ancient China. Sometimes it is also called men in general. The words "Zi said" in "The Analects of Confucius" all refer to Confucius.

(2) Learning: The "learning" mentioned by Confucius here mainly refers to the study of traditional cultural classics such as rituals, music, poetry, and calligraphy of the Western Zhou Dynasty.

(3) Shi Xi: In the Zhou and Qin Dynasties, the word "Shi" was used as an adverb, meaning "at a certain time" or "at the appropriate time". However, Zhu Xi explained "Shi" as "Shi Chang" in "Analects of Confucius". "Xi" refers to practicing etiquette and music; reviewing poems and books. It also means review, practice, and practice.

(4) Said: The sound yuè means the same as joy, which means pleasure and happiness.

(5) You Peng: One book is "You Peng". An old note says, "A fellow student is called a friend." That is, people who study under the same teacher are called friends, that is, people who share the same goals.

(6) Le: It is different from speaking. An old note says that joy is found within, while joy is found outside.

(7) People don’t know: This sentence is incomplete and does not say what people don’t know. Missing object. Generally speaking, knowing means understanding. People don't know, which means that others don't understand themselves.

(8)愠: Sound yùn, anger, resentment.

(9) Gentleman: The gentleman in the Analects of Confucius sometimes refers to a virtuous person, and sometimes refers to a person with status. This refers to Confucius’s ideal of a person with a noble personality.

Translation

Confucius said: "Isn't it very pleasant to learn and review and practice frequently? Isn't it very pleasant to have like-minded people coming from far away? People don't Knowing me, I am not resentful or angry, am I not a virtuous gentleman?"

Original text

1·2 Youzi (1) said: "He is also a filial brother. (2), but those who like to offend the superiors (3) are rare (4); those who do not like to offend the superiors, but like to cause trouble, do not exist (5). A gentleman should stick to his roots (6), and he should be filial to his younger brother (7). Also, is the nature of human beings related to (8)? ”

Notes

(1) Youzi: Confucius’s student, whose surname is You and whose name is Ruo, is 13 years younger than Confucius. One said he is 33 years younger. The latter theory is more credible. In the Analects of Confucius, the students of Confucius recorded are generally called "Zi". Only Zeng Shen and Youruo are called "Zi". Therefore, many people believe that the Analects was written by Zeng Shen and Youruo.

(2) Filial piety: filial piety, the correct attitude of children towards their parents in the slave society; brother, the pronunciation and meaning of "Ti" (pronounced tì) are the same as "Ti" (pronounced tì), that is, the correct attitude of younger brothers towards older brothers. Filial piety and brotherhood are two basic moral norms especially advocated by Confucius and Confucianism. An old note says: Doing good things to parents is called filial piety, and doing good things to elders is called brother.

(3) Guoshang: commit, offend, commit a crime. On, refers to the person in a superior position.

(4) Fresh: The sound is xiǎn, meaning less. The word "fresh" in "The Analects of Confucius" is used in this way.

(5) Nothing is there: This is the inverted sentence pattern of "there is nothing". There is a rule in the syntax of ancient Chinese. If the object of a negative sentence is a pronoun, it is usually placed before the verb.

(6) Wuben: Wu, concentration and dedication. Ben, fundamental.

(7) Tao: In ancient Chinese thought, Tao has many meanings. The Tao here refers to the Tao of benevolence advocated by Confucius, that is, the entire moral ideological system with benevolence as its core and its embodiment in real life. To put it simply, it is the basic principle of governing a country and being a human being.

(8) The foundation of benevolence: benevolence is the highest category of Confucius’ philosophical thought, and it is also the code of ethics and morality. Being the foundation of benevolence means taking filial piety and brotherhood as the foundation of benevolence. Another explanation is that the ancient word "benevolence" is the word "human", which is the foundation of benevolence and the foundation of being a human being.

Translation

Youzi said: "It is rare to be filial to parents and obedient to elders, but like to offend the rulers above. People who do not like to offend the rulers above are rare. There are no people who like to rebel. When a gentleman concentrates on fundamental matters, the fundamentals are established, and the principles for governing a country and being a man are established.

Be filial to your parents and obey your elders. This is the foundation of benevolence! "

Original text

1·3 The Master said: Clever words make people look (1), and fresh (2) benevolence."

Comments

(1) Qiaoyan Lingse: Zhu Xi commented: "Be good at your words, be good at your appearance, and decorate them externally to speak to people." Both Qiao and Ling have beautiful meanings. But here it should be interpreted as pretending to be pleasant.

(2) Fresh: means less.

Translation

Confucius said: "People who talk sweetly and pretend to be pleasant have very little benevolence."

Original text

1·4 Zengzi (1) said: "I have to examine myself three times in a day (2). Is it true that I am unfaithful to others (3)? Is it true that I do not believe in my friends (4)? Is it true that I am not accustomed to teaching?" < /p>

Notes

(1) Zengzi: Zengzi’s surname was Zeng Shen (pronounced shēn) and his courtesy name was Ziyu. He was born in 505 BC. He was a native of the state of Lu. Descendants of the country's nobles. Zeng Shen was a favorite disciple of Confucius and was known as a filial son. It is said that he wrote the "Book of Filial Piety".

(2) Three Provinces: Province (sound xǐng), inspection, observation. There are several explanations for the three provinces: first, three inspections; second, inspection from three aspects; third, multiple inspections. In fact, in ancient times, numbers were added before action verbs to indicate that the action was more frequent and did not need to be considered three times.

(3) Loyalty: The old note said: Doing one’s best is called loyalty. This means that you should do your best to others.

(4) Faith: The old note says: Those who believe are sincere. Honesty is called trust. It requires people to keep trust with each other according to the provisions of etiquette to adjust the relationship between people.

(5) Transmission or not practice: Chuan, the old note said: "What is received from the teacher is called transmission. What the teacher teaches to oneself. Xi" is the same as the word "Xi" in "Learn and learn from time to time" The same refers to review, internship, exercises, etc.

Translation

Zeng Zi said: "I reflect on myself many times every day, have I done my best in doing things for others? Have you been honest and trustworthy in your interactions with friends? Have I reviewed the studies the teacher taught me? ”

Original text

1·5 The Master said: “The way (1) is a country of thousands of chariots (2), respecting things (3), being frugal and loving others (4) , so that the people can take advantage of the time (5). "

Notes

(1) Tao: One book is "guide", used as a verb. This is the meaning of governance.

(2) Thousand Times Zhiguo: Cheng (pronounced shèng) means vehicle. This refers to the basic unit of the ancient army. Each vehicle has a four-horse chariot, with 3 soldiers on board, 72 infantrymen under the vehicle, and 25 support personnel. , a total of 100 people. A country with 1,000 chariots refers to a vassal state. In the Spring and Autumn Period, wars were frequent, so the strength of a country was calculated by the number of chariots. The country of Cheng is no longer a big country.

(3) Jingshi: The word "Jingshi" is generally used to express personal attitude, especially to be cautious, dedicated and conscientious in dealing with things.

(4) Love people: The meaning of "people" in ancient times is divided into broad and narrow meanings. "People" in the broad sense refers to all groups of people; "people" in the narrow sense only refers to people of all classes above the scholar-bureaucrat. Compared with "people", it can be seen that its usage is in a narrow sense.

(5) To make people follow the agricultural season: In ancient times, the people were mainly engaged in agriculture, which means that the people should be forced to farm according to the agricultural season. Harvest.

Translation

Confucius said: "To govern a country with a thousand chariots, one must handle state affairs with rigor and conscientiousness, abide by trustworthiness, be honest, and be fiscally economical. Expenditure and care for officials and ministers, and serving the people must not miss the farming season."

Commentary

What Confucius said in this chapter is mainly for the rulers of the country. Regarding the basic principles of governing the country, he talked about three aspects, namely requiring rulers to handle all aspects of the country's affairs seriously and abide by their promises; to save money and take care of officials; and to ensure that the people do not miss the farming season. The basic point of governing a country is to maintain peace and stability.

Kang Youwei said that Confucius’s teaching is to love all people, but the “love for people” mentioned in this chapter does not mean this. It is not the common people, but officials, people with status; and "the people" are the common people, the objects of servitude by the governed. It can be seen that "loving others" does not mean loving everyone, but only loving those in the ruling group.

The idea of ??"being frugal and loving people so that they can take advantage of their time" is reasonable and reflects Confucius's social thoughts. But this has nothing to do with "lover" or otherwise. From another perspective, Confucius is here to provide suggestions for rulers to govern the country and rule the people.

Lu Xun once pointed out: "Confucius once planned excellent ways to govern the country, but they were all methods conceived for the purpose of governing the people, that is, the powerful. They were not at all for the people themselves." ("Second Collection of Qiejieting Essays·Confucius in Modern China") This is a look at Confucius's strategy of governing the country from the standpoint of the people. Therefore it is quite sharp.

Original text

1·6 Confucius said: "When a disciple (1) enters (2), he is filial; when he comes out (3), he is a younger brother; when he is cautious (4), he is trustworthy; when he goes out (3), he is a brother; when he comes out of (3), he is a brother; when he is cautious (4), he is trustworthy; when he comes out of (3), he is a brother ) Love others and be kind (6), and if you have enough energy to do (7), then learn the text (8)"

Notes

(1) Disciple: Generally there are two. Two meanings: First, it refers to younger people who are younger brothers and sons; second, it refers to students. "Disciple" is used here in a sense.

(2) Enter: In ancient times, father and son lived in different residences, and studied outside. "Book of Rites·Nei Principles": "From Mingshi to above, father and son are in different palaces." Entering means entering the father's palace, which means entering the father's residence, or at home.

(3) Out: relative to "in", it refers to going out to study with a teacher. "Being a younger brother" means to treat your teachers as a younger brother, and it can also generally refer to people who are older than you.

(4) Sincerity: Being taciturn and having few words is called sincerity.

(5)□: The sound is fàn, the same as the pan, and has a broad meaning.

(6) Benevolence: Benevolence is a benevolent person, a person with benevolence.

(7) Have enough spare time: refers to having leisure time.

(8) Text: ancient documents. It mainly includes cultural knowledge such as poetry, calligraphy, etiquette, and music.

Translation

Confucius said: "Disciples should be filial to their parents when they are in front of them; when away from home, they should obey their teachers, be careful in their words and deeds, be honest and trustworthy, be taciturn, and be respectful. Love everyone broadly and get close to those who are virtuous. After practicing this, if you still have the energy, then study literature knowledge."

Commentary

This article is The issue of filial piety was mentioned in Chapter 2, and this issue is mentioned again in this chapter. Confucius required his disciples to first devote themselves to filial piety, trust, love for others, and kindness, and cultivate good moral concepts and moral behaviors. If they still have leisure time and energy, they should use it to study ancient classics and increase cultural knowledge. This shows that Confucius' education centered on moral education, focusing on cultivating students' moral cultivation, while the study of book knowledge was placed second.

Confucius put the cultivation of students' moral concepts first, while cultural studies only came second. In fact, for any class in history, whether it is the slave-owning class, the landlord class, or the bourgeoisie, education serves its politics. It pays special attention to students' moral conduct and political performance, and ranks "morality" next to "knowledge". In the past, this was a class necessity. They want to cultivate talents in all aspects that meet the requirements of this class.

Original text

1·7 Zi Xia (1) said: "The virtuous (2) change their colors; they can do their best to serve their parents; they can do their best to serve the king (4) ); When making friends, you must keep your word. Even if you say you haven't learned yet, I will definitely call it learning. Xia, a student of Confucius, was 44 years younger than Confucius and was born in 507 BC. After Confucius's death, he promoted Confucius's ideas in Wei.

(2) Xianxian: The first word "Xian" is used as a verb, which means respect. To be virtuous means to respect the wise.

(3) Yi: There are two interpretations; one is the meaning of change, this sentence means respecting the virtuous and changing the lustful heart; the other is the meaning of contempt, that is, valuing the virtuous and despising the women.

(4) Zhiqishen: Zhi means "to offer" and "to do one's best". This means dedicating one's life to the king.

Translation

Zixia said: "A person can value virtuous virtues rather than women; he can serve his parents with all his strength; he can devote his life to serving the monarch; When dealing with friends, speak honestly and keep your word. Even if such a person says he has not learned it, I must say he has learned it."

Original text

1·8 Zi Said: "A gentleman (1), if he is not serious about (2), he will not be powerful; if he is learned, he will not be solid (3). He is loyal and trustworthy (4)."

If you don't have (5) friends, you are worse than yourself (6); if you have (7), don't be afraid of changing (8). ”

Notes

(1) Gentleman: This word has been used throughout this paragraph, so there should be a sentence break here.

(2) Zhong: solemn , Self-sustaining.

(3) The learning principles are not solid: there are two explanations: one is to make a solid explanation, which is connected with the previous sentence. If it is not solemn, there will be no majesty, and the learning will not be solid; the other is to make it solid. Interpretation means that if a person has little knowledge, he will not be stubborn after learning.

(4) Mainly loyal and trustworthy.

(5) Wu: Tongwu, "don't want". Meaning.

(6) Not as good as oneself: generally interpreted as not as good as oneself. Another explanation says, "Those who are not as good as oneself are not similar to oneself." "Interpret "such" as "similar". The latter explanation is more in line with Confucius' original meaning.

(7) Guo: fault, fault.

(8) Fear: The sound dàn means fear, fear.

Translation

Confucius said: "A gentleman has no majesty if he is not dignified; learning can make people unobstructed; loyalty should be the main thing, and do not agree with others. Don't make friends with people who don't believe you; if you make a mistake, don't be afraid to correct it. ”

Original text

1·9 Zengzi said: “If you are cautious about pursuing your goals (1) and pursuing your goals (2), the people’s virtue will be strong.” "

Notes

(1) Be cautious about death: death is the end. This refers to the death of parents. The old note said: Those who are cautious about death will lose all their sorrow.

Translation

Zengzi said: “Be cautious about the death of your parents. Remembering our long-lost ancestors will naturally lead to people becoming more loyal and honest. ”

Original text

1·10 Zi Qin (1) asked Yu Zigong (2), saying: Master (3) as for being a state (4), you must hear about its politics. What do you want from others? "Zigong said: "Master is gentle, kind, respectful, frugal, and generous in order to get it. With? ”

Notes

(1) Ziqin: The surname is Chen, the name is Kang, and the courtesy name is Ziqin. The "Analects of Confucius" annotated by Zheng Xuan said that he was a student of Confucius, but "Historical Records: Biography of Zhongni's Disciples" does not record this person, so it is said that Ziqin was not a student of Confucius.

(2) Zigong: His surname was Duanmu and his given name was Zigong. He was from the state of Wei. He was 31 years younger than Confucius. He was a student of Confucius and was born in 520 BC. Zigong was good at eloquence, and Confucius believed that he could be the prime minister of a great country. According to "Historical Records", Zigong became a businessman in Weiguo. His family had a fortune and became a famous businessman.

(3) Master: This is an honorific title in ancient times. Anyone who has been a doctor can obtain this title. Confucius once served as a military commander in the state of Lu, so his students called him "Master". Later, the name "teacher" was adopted accordingly. The "Master" mentioned in the Analects of Confucius is the name given to him by Confucius's students.

(4) State: refers to the vassal states that were divided at that time.

(5) Hu: The classical Chinese conjunction indicating choice has the meaning of "or".

(6) Gentleness, kindness, respect, frugality, and humility: Literally understood as: gentleness, kindness, respect, frugality, and humility. This is the praise given to him by Confucius's disciples.

(7) Others: modal particles, meaning "probably" or "or".

"What did the king give him?" Zigong said: "The teacher is gentle, courteous and thrifty, that's why he got this qualification (this qualification can also be said to be obtained through seeking), but the way he asked for it may be different from other people's methods, right?" ”

Original text

1·11 The Master said: “When the father is here, observe his (1) ambitions; when his father is gone, observe his actions (2); there is no change in three years (3) In the way of father (4), it can be called filial piety."

Notes

(1) His refers to the son, not the father.

(2) Line: The sound xìng refers to behavior, etc.

(3) Three years: There is no need to understand the numbers mentioned by the ancients too mechanically. It just means that a longer period of time will pass, and it does not necessarily refer to only three years.

(4) Tao: Sometimes it is a noun in a general sense, whether it is good or bad, good or evil, it can be called Tao. But more often than not, it is a noun with a positive meaning, indicating good and good things. This means "reasonable content".

Translation

Confucius said; "When his father is alive (because he has no right to act independently), one must observe his ambition; after his father's death, one must examine his If he does not change his father's reasonable behavior for a long time, such a person can be said to be filial."

Original text

1·12 Youzi said: "The purpose of etiquette (1), harmony (2) is precious. The way of the ancient kings (3), Si (4) is beautiful. If you follow it, you will not be able to do something. Know how to be harmonious, and do not use etiquette (5). "

Notes

(1) Li: In the Spring and Autumn Period, "li" generally refers to the rules, regulations and moral norms of slave society. Confucius' "Li" refers not only to "Zhou Li", etiquette and rituals, but also to people's moral norms.

(2) Harmony: harmony, harmony, coordination.

(3) The way of the ancient kings: refers to the way of governing the world by ancient emperors such as Yao, Shun, Yu, Tang, Wen, Wu, and Zhou Gong.

(4) Si: This, this and other meanings. This refers to etiquette and harmony.

Translation

Youzi said: "In the application of etiquette, harmony is the most important thing. This is the precious part of the ancient monarch's way of governing the country. But no matter how big or small the matter is, harmony is the most important thing. (This is because) harmony for the sake of harmony is not feasible if it is not controlled by etiquette."

Original text

1. ·13 Youzi said: "Belief is close to (1) righteousness (2), and words can be restored to (3); respect is close to etiquette, and far away (4) is also a shame; because (5) does not lose one's relatives, it can also be ancestral. (6) Also. ”

Notes

(1) Near: means close to, consistent with.

(2) Righteousness: Righteousness is the ethical category of Confucianism. It means that thoughts and behaviors conform to certain standards. This standard is "ritual".

(3) Complex: The meaning of practice. Zhu Xi's "Collected Notes" says: Fu means practicing what one says. ”

(4) Far: Sound yuàn, verb, verb usage, meaning to keep away, it can also be translated as avoid.

(5) Cause: rely on, rely on . One theory is that it should be written as marriage, but the context seems inappropriate.

(6) Zong: Lord, reliable, and it seems to be inappropriate to interpret it as "respect".

Translation

Youzi said: "Being trustworthy must be consistent with righteousness, so that words (that are consistent with righteousness) can be implemented; reverence must be consistent with etiquette, so as to avoid shame; all rely on Reliable people are worthy of respect. ”

Original text

1·14 Confucius said: “A gentleman has nothing to eat and nothing to live in, and he has no desire to live in peace. If he is quick at things and careful in his words, he will (1) have the right way (2) ) and Zheng (3) Yan can be said to be eager to learn. ”

Notes

(1) Just: get close and align.

(2) Youdao: refers to a moral person.

(3) Zheng: upright and upright

Translation

Confucius said: "A gentleman does not seek to satisfy his needs in food and comfort, but he is diligent and quick in his work, but careful in his speech. Be cautious and go to the right people to correct yourself. This can be said to be easy to learn. ”

Commentary

This chapter focuses on the moral requirements for a gentleman. Confucius believed that a moral person should not pay too much attention to his diet and residence. You should be diligent and agile in your work, be cautious, and be able to review yourself frequently, and ask moral people to correct your words and deeds. As a gentleman, you should restrain your desire for material enjoyment and focus on shaping your moral character. Worth learning from.

Original text

1·15 Zigong said: "Being poor without flattery (1), being rich without being arrogant, how can it be like (2)? Confucius said: "Yes." Not as happy as a poor person (3), but also as a person who is rich and courteous. "Zi Gong said: "The Poetry" says, "It's like cutting it, like discussing it! It's like polishing it (4)'. What do you mean by giving it?" Zi Gong said: "It's like giving it (5)! Only then can we talk about "The Poetry". ”

Notes

(1) Flattery: chǎn, meaning to flatter and flatter.

(2) He Ru: "He Ru" in "The Analects" can all be translated as "How".

(3) Poverty but happiness: One book is "Poverty but happiness in Taoism".

(4) Like cutting, like discussing, like plowing, like grinding: These two sentences can be found in "The Book of Songs·Wei Feng·Qi'ao". There are two explanations: one refers to the processing of four different materials: bone, ivory, jade, and stone, otherwise it cannot be made into a tool; the other refers to the processing of ivory and bone, which requires consultation after cutting, and the processing of jade, which requires cutting. Grinding means striving for excellence.

(5) Given: Zigong’s name, Confucius called his students by his name.

(6) To tell those who know the coming: Zhu means the same thing; go means things in the past; come means things in the future.

Translation

Zigong said: "How about being poor but not flattering, and being rich but not being arrogant?" Confucius said: "This is okay. But still It is not as good as those who are poor but willing to teach, and who are rich but courteous. "The Book of Songs says, 'We should study and polish them like bones, horns, ivory, and jade.'" That is to say. Is this the meaning?" Confucius said: "Thank you, you can understand the meaning of what I have not said yet from what I have said, and I can talk about "Poetry" with you."

1·16 Confucius said: "Don't worry about (1) people not knowing (2), but worry about not knowing people."

Notes

(1) Suffering: worry, fear.

(2) People: refers to educated and knowledgeable people, not the people.

Translation

Confucius said: "You are not afraid that others do not understand you, but you are afraid that you do not understand others." (Above ancient text)