Book 16: 《季氏》 Ji Shi (The Ji Clan)
《季氏》 Passage 16.10
Legge Translation (1861)
Confucius said: "The superior man has nine things which are subjects with him of thoughtful consideration. In regard to the use of his eyes, he is anxious to see clearly. In regard to the use of his ears, he is anxious to hear distinctly. In regard to his countenance, he is anxious that it should be benign. In regard to his demeanor, he is anxious that it should be respectful. In regard to his speech, he is anxious that it should be sincere. In regard to his doing of business, he is anxious that it should be reverently careful. In regard to what he doubts about, he is anxious to question others. When he is angry, he thinks of the difficulties (his anger may involve him in). When he sees gain to be got, he thinks of righteousness."Word by word
- 孔子 kǒng zǐ
Confucius, Master Kong
- 孔 Kong, a surname (Confucius's family name)
- 子 honorific suffix: master, sir
- 曰 yuē
said, spoke
- 君子 jūn zǐ
exemplary person, gentleman
- 君 lord, ruler; 君子 is literally a lord's son
- 子 son; 君子 is literally a lord's son, one of the ruling class, which the Analects makes a term of character
- 有 yǒu
to have, possess
- 九 jiǔ
nine
- 思 sī
concern, matter to ponder
here 思 is the nominal head of 九思, 'nine things to think about', summarizing the list that follows.
- 視 shì
looking, one's sense of sight
- 思 sī
to think about, attend to, be mindful of
- 明 míng
clear, clarity (of vision)
- 聽 tīng
listening, one's sense of hearing
- 思 sī
to think about, attend to, be mindful of
- 聰 cōng
acute, keen (of hearing)
- 色 sè
facial expression, countenance
- 思 sī
to think about, attend to, be mindful of
- 溫 wēn
warm, gentle, cordial in manner
- 貌 mào
demeanor, outward bearing
- 思 sī
to think about, attend to, be mindful of
- 恭 gōng
respectful, deferential
- 言 yán
speech, what one says
- 思 sī
to think about, attend to, be mindful of
- 忠 zhōng
loyal, conscientious, doing one's utmost
- 事 shì
handling of affairs, one's duties
- 思 sī
to think about, attend to, be mindful of
- 敬 jìng
reverent, scrupulously careful
- 疑 yí
doubt, uncertainty
- 思 sī
to think about, attend to, be mindful of
- 問 wèn
to ask, seek advice or clarification
- 忿 fèn
anger, being angry
- 思 sī
to think about, attend to, be mindful of
- 難 nàn
difficulty, adverse consequences that may follow
Ames & Rosemont renders this as 'regret' rather than 'difficulty/trouble'.
- 見得 jiàn dé
seeing a chance for gain or profit
- 見 to see, perceive
- 得 gain, profit; what is obtained
- 思 sī
to think about, attend to, be mindful of
- 義 yì
what is right, righteousness
Roberts renders this as 'honor' rather than 'rightness'.
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