論語The Analects of Confucius

論語The Analects of Confucius

Book 14: 《憲問》 Xian Wen (Xian Asked)

《憲問》 Passage 14.12

子路問成人。子曰:「若臧武仲之知,公綽之不欲,卞莊子之勇,冉求之藝,文之以禮樂,亦可以為成人矣。」曰:「今之成人者何必然?見利思義,見危授命,久要不忘平生之言,亦可以為成人矣。」

Legge Translation (1861)

Zilu asked what constituted a COMPLETE man. The Master said: "Suppose a man with the knowledge of Zang Wuzhong, the freedom from covetousness of Gongchuo, the bravery of Zhuang of Bian, and the varied talents of Ran Qiu; add to these the accomplishments of the rules of propriety and music:— such a one might be reckoned a COMPLETE man."

He then added: "But what is the necessity for a complete man of the present day to have all these things? The man, who in the view of gain, thinks of righteousness; who in the view of danger is prepared to give up his life; and who does not forget an old agreement however far back it extends:— such a man may be reckoned a COMPLETE man."

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子路 冉有 臧武仲

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