Confucius and the Principle of Integrity: Why He Went to a Rebel Leader

When Buddha Xi (1) summoned him, the Master wanted to go. Zilu said, “In the past, I heard the Master say, ‘A gentleman will not associate with someone who is not virtuous.’ Fo Xi is a local official of Zhongmou (2). What do you think of your going there?” The Master said, “Yes, he has said that. He is not called ‘firm,’ for he is not damaged by rubbing (3); he is not called ‘white,’ for he is not stained by dye (4). Am I a melon (6)? How can I tie it up(7) and not eat it?

[Notes] (1) Fuxi: the name of a vassal of the Fan family, a noble family in the state of Jin. (2) Zhongmou: a place name in the state of Jin, between Xingtai and Handan in Hebei Province. (3) Lin: to damage. (4) Nie: a kind of mineral, which can be used as a pigment to dye clothes. (5) Zi: black. (6) 匏瓜: a type of gourd, which is bitter and inedible. (7) 系: jì, to tie, to fasten.

[Translation] Buddha Xi summoned Confucius, and Confucius was planning to go. Zilu said, “I heard you say before, ‘A gentleman does not go where people do evil deeds themselves. Now Buddha Xi has rebelled in Zhongmou, but you are going. How do you explain this?” Confucius said, “Yes, I have said this before. Isn’t it said that hard things can’t be worn down by grinding? Isn’t it said that white things can’t be stained by dyeing? Am I a bitter gourd? How can I just hang there without being eaten?

Confucius’s teachings have always been a cornerstone of moral philosophy, offering deep insights into the nature of integrity, duty, and personal conduct. An intriguing episode from his life highlights these principles in action and sheds light on his approach to dealing with difficult situations.

The Context: The Call from a Rebel Leader

In this account, Confucius is summoned by a man named Foshai, who was a local official and had recently rebelled against the ruling state of Jin. Despite the rebellion, Confucius decides to go, which raises questions about his decision in light of his own teachings.

The Dilemma: Confucius’s Integrity vs. Rebel’s Actions

Confucius’s disciple, Zilu (also known as Zilu), recalls a teaching from Confucius himself: “A gentleman does not visit a place where those in authority have committed wrongs.” This principle seems to contradict Confucius’s intention to visit Foshai, given that Foshai had been involved in rebellion and thus had violated the ethical and political order.

Zilu questions how Confucius can reconcile his visit with the principle that a gentleman should avoid places associated with wrongdoing. Confucius’s response provides a profound lesson in his philosophy:

Confucius’s Response: A Lesson in Resilience and Purpose

Confucius acknowledges the validity of Zilu’s concern. He explains that principles are not about being unyielding or merely about appearances. He uses the metaphor of a gourd:

“Not to say that hard things cannot be damaged by grinding,” he implies that principles should be flexible and resilient. Even when faced with challenges, one should not rigidly adhere to a principle if it means forsaking a greater purpose or opportunity.

“Not to say that a white thing cannot be dyed black,” suggests that true virtue is not just about remaining untainted in appearance but about maintaining one’s moral integrity even in difficult situations.

“Am I a bitter gourd that only hangs there without being eaten?” Confucius likens himself to a gourd that, despite its bitterness, should still serve a purpose. In other words, he emphasizes that his purpose is to engage with the world and its complexities, not to remain aloof and detached.

The Principle of Engagement and Moral Purpose

Confucius’s visit to Foshai, despite the latter’s rebellion, illustrates his commitment to the principle of engagement rather than isolation. He believed in the importance of participating in and contributing to societal affairs, even when faced with morally ambiguous situations.

Resilience in Adversity: Confucius’s philosophy underscores that true virtue and integrity are demonstrated not just in adhering to principles but in navigating complex situations with wisdom and purpose.

Active Engagement: By choosing to visit Foshai, Confucius shows that engagement with problematic situations can be a means of upholding and demonstrating virtue. It’s not about avoiding conflict but about addressing it with integrity and purpose.

Confucius’s approach to handling the situation with Foshai offers valuable lessons in integrity, resilience, and purpose. It highlights that principles are not just rigid rules but are intended to guide actions in a way that reflects deeper values and commitments. His decision to visit Foshai, despite the latter’s rebellious actions, exemplifies his belief in the importance of engaging with and addressing challenges directly.

Incorporating these insights into daily life can help individuals navigate their own challenges with a balanced perspective, embracing both the principles of integrity and the necessity of engagement in complex situations. Confucius’s teachings remain a profound guide for ethical conduct and personal growth, encouraging us to act with purpose and wisdom in all our endeavors.