Confucius on Historical Integrity: Lessons from the Past

The Master said, “I am still able to see the missing words in the historical records.

[Explanation] (1) Missing words: When a historian comes across a place where he is in doubt, he leaves it out. (2) Those who have horses lend them to others to ride: Some people think that this sentence is a mistake, and another explanation is that those who have horses do not know how to train them, and rely on others to train them. This book follows the latter.

[Translation] Confucius said, “I can still see the places in the historical records where there are doubts. Those who have horses (who do not know how to train them) lend them to others to ride. This spirit is gone today.”

Confucius, the venerable Chinese philosopher, often reflected on the values and practices of earlier times to highlight lessons for his contemporaries. In one of his observations, he lamented the decline of certain noble practices. He said, “I still see the practice of leaving gaps in historical records where there is doubt. In the past, those who had horses let others ride them first. Such integrity and generosity seem to have disappeared today.”

Understanding Confucius’s Reflections

In this passage, Confucius touches on two key principles: the integrity of historical documentation and the virtue of generosity. Both principles were upheld during the times of the ancient dynasties but, according to Confucius, were waning in his era.

Historical Integrity: The Practice of Leaving Gaps

Confucius praised the practice of ancient historians who, when faced with uncertainty, would leave gaps in the historical records rather than filling them with potentially incorrect information. This practice, known as “quewen” (阙文), ensured the reliability and credibility of historical documents. Confucius valued this honesty and accuracy, seeing it as a vital part of preserving the truth.

Modern Relevance:

Academic and Journalistic Standards: In today’s world, the principle of quewen can be applied to academic research and journalism. Ensuring that information is accurate and verified before publication maintains credibility and trust.

Transparency in Reporting: Leaving gaps when the information is incomplete promotes transparency and avoids the spread of misinformation.

Generosity and Humility: The Practice of Sharing Resources

Confucius also reminisced about the generosity of those who owned horses but allowed others to use them. This gesture symbolized humility and a willingness to share resources for the greater good. Confucius lamented the loss of such selflessness in his time.

Modern Relevance:

Corporate Responsibility: Businesses today can take a lesson from this practice by sharing resources and knowledge with their communities. This can include mentorship programs, community service, and open-source projects.

Personal Generosity: On an individual level, being willing to share one’s resources, whether it’s time, knowledge, or material goods, fosters a sense of community and mutual support.

The Broader Context of Confucian Values

Confucius often reflected on the values of past dynasties—Xia, Shang, and Zhou—as ideal periods of moral and ethical conduct. By highlighting the practices of historical integrity and generosity, he urged his contemporaries to learn from these examples and strive to embody similar virtues.

The Decline of Noble Practices

Confucius’s lamentation about the decline of these practices serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and upholding noble values. In a rapidly changing world, the loss of such values can lead to societal and moral decay. Therefore, it is essential to remember and revive these principles in our own lives and communities.