Confucius: Master of Diverse Skills, Not a Specialist

9·2 The people of Daxiang(1) said, “How great is Confucius! He is so knowledgeable that he cannot be praised for anything.” When the Master heard this, he said to his disciples, “What should I do? Should I be a charioteer? shooting? I will drive the chariot.”

[Notes]

(1) The people of Daxiang: In ancient times, 500 families were grouped together to form a party, and Daxiang was the name of the party. This refers to the people of Daxiang.

(2) Erudite but not famous in any one area: Erudite, but not famous in any one area.

[Translation]

Someone from the Daxiang party said, ”Confucius is truly great! He is erudite, but not famous in any one area.” When Confucius heard this, he said to his students, “What should I specialize in?

Driving a chariot? Or archery? I’ll drive a chariot.”

Commentary

There is another interpretation of the phrase “erudite but not famous” in this chapter, which is “erudite but not famous.” Those who hold this view believe that Confucius is superficially great, but in reality

he is not erudite, he knows everything but is not good at anything. We feel that this view is somewhat harsh.

In the realm of ancient Chinese philosophy, Confucius stands as a towering figure, celebrated for his profound wisdom and diverse knowledge. A story often told about him illustrates this aspect of his character and provides insight into his self-perception and the perceptions of others.

In a notable anecdote, a member of the Da Xiang Party commented on Confucius, saying, “Confucius is truly great! His learning is extensive, yet he cannot be praised for excelling in any particular field.” When Confucius learned of this remark, he addressed his disciples, pondering, “What should I excel in? Should it be charioteering or archery? I suppose I will focus on charioteering.”

Understanding the Story

This story reflects a deeper philosophical point about Confucius and his approach to learning and mastery. The term “Da Xiang Party” refers to an ancient group or faction, emphasizing that this comment came from a specific social or intellectual context. The phrase “博学而无所成名” (extensive learning but no particular fame) suggests that Confucius’s vast knowledge was not confined to a single area of expertise, which some may have seen as a limitation.

Confucius’s response to this observation—choosing charioteering over archery—highlights his pragmatic approach. Rather than striving to be a specialist in a single discipline, he demonstrated his preference for a more holistic approach to skill development.

Analyzing the Comment

The criticism that Confucius’s knowledge was too broad but lacked depth in any one area might seem harsh. Some argue that this suggests Confucius’s knowledge was superficial, spread too thinly across various subjects. However, such an interpretation may overlook the value of his broad expertise and the wisdom gained from his diverse experiences.

Confucius’s approach was not about achieving fame through specialization but rather about embodying a well-rounded mastery of multiple skills. His choice to focus on charioteering, for instance, could be seen as a metaphor for his broader philosophy of practical wisdom and balanced living.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, Confucius is often revered for his comprehensive understanding of moral and social principles. This story underscores a key aspect of Confucian thought: the importance of balance and versatility in one’s personal development. The idea that one should excel in various skills rather than focusing narrowly on a single expertise reflects a broader cultural value that emphasizes holistic growth.