Ancient Wisdom: The Integrity of Bo Yi and Shu Qi

7·15 Ran You said: “Is the Master (1) helping the Duke of Wei (2)? He went in and asked, “Who were Bo Yi and Shu Qi?” He said, “They were ancient sages.” He said, “Were they unhappy?” He said, “They sought benevolence and found it, so why should they be unhappy?” He went out and said, “The Master will not do it.”

[Notes]

(1) 为: here means “to help.”

(2) 卫君: 卫出公辄, the grandson of 卫灵公. He reigned from 492 BC to 481 BC. His father was exiled by King Linggong for murdering Nanzi. After King Linggong died, Zhe was made king, and his father returned to the country to compete with him for the throne.

(3) Nuo: to promise.

Translation

Ran You (asked Zi Gong) said, “Will the teacher help the king of Wei?” Zi Gong said, “Well, I’ll ask him.” So he went in and asked Confucius, “What kind of people were Bo Yi and Shu Qi?” (Confucius) said, “They were ancient sages.” (Zigong asked again) “Do they have any resentment?” (Confucius) said, “They sought benevolence and obtained it, why would they have resentment?” (Zigong) came out (and said to Ran You) “Teacher will not help the king of Wei.”

[Commentary]

After the king of Wei, Zhe, ascended the throne, his father contested the throne with him, which was in stark contrast to the two brothers, Bo Yi and Shu Qi, who gave up their thrones to each other. Here, Confucius praised Bo Yi and Shu Qi, but was extremely dissatisfied with the violation of hierarchical order by the father and son of Wei Chu Gong. Confucius’s criterion for evaluating these two events was whether they conformed to the rules of propriety.

Confucius, the great philosopher, often referenced historical figures to impart moral lessons. One such instance is recorded in the Analects, where the disciples Ran You and Zigong engage in a conversation about the virtues of Bo Yi and Shu Qi. This dialogue sheds light on Confucian principles and their application to real-life scenarios.

The Question of Assistance

The discussion begins with Ran You questioning whether Confucius would assist the Duke of Wei. Zigong, another disciple, volunteers to seek Confucius’s opinion directly. Upon meeting Confucius, Zigong inquires about the nature of Bo Yi and Shu Qi, ancient sages known for their exemplary character.

Confucius praises Bo Yi and Shu Qi as virtuous men of ancient times. Their story is one of selflessness and moral fortitude. Despite the challenges they faced, they remained steadfast in their pursuit of righteousness, embodying the Confucian ideal of “ren” (仁), which translates to benevolence or humaneness.

The Pursuit of Righteousness

Zigong’s next question probes deeper: Did Bo Yi and Shu Qi harbor any resentment? Confucius responds unequivocally that they did not. They sought righteousness and, having achieved it, had no cause for resentment. This response highlights a core Confucian belief: true virtue lies in the pursuit of moral ideals, not in the outcomes or rewards.

Upon returning to Ran You, Zigong relays Confucius’s message, indicating that Confucius would not support the Duke of Wei. The implication is clear: the Duke’s actions do not align with the principles of righteousness and virtue upheld by Confucius.

Lessons in Leadership and Integrity

The contrast between Bo Yi, Shu Qi, and the Duke of Wei serves as a powerful moral lesson. Bo Yi and Shu Qi’s willingness to relinquish power for the sake of righteousness starkly contrasts with the Duke’s struggle for power. Their story underscores the importance of integrity and ethical conduct in leadership.

Confucius’s critique of the Duke of Wei reflects his disapproval of actions that violate social and moral hierarchies. For Confucius, adherence to proper conduct (“li” 礼) and the pursuit of virtue are paramount. Leaders must embody these principles to govern justly and effectively.

Relevance to Modern Audiences

The story of Bo Yi and Shu Qi, though rooted in ancient Chinese history, carries universal lessons. Their unwavering commitment to righteousness over personal gain resonates with contemporary audiences. In an age where ethical leadership is often in question, their example provides a timeless standard.

For American readers, understanding these cultural and historical contexts enriches their appreciation of Confucian philosophy. It bridges cultural gaps and highlights common values, such as integrity and moral courage, that transcend time and geography.