Confucius on Practicing Virtue: The Key to Cultivating Righteousness
Zi Gong asked about benevolence. The Master said, “If a workman wants to do his work well, he must first sharpen his tools. If he lives in this country, he must serve the worthy among the nobles, and make friends with the benevolent among the common people.”
[Translation] Zi Gong asked how to practice benevolence. Confucius said, “If a workman wants to do his work well, he must first sharpen his tools. If he lives in this country, he must serve the worthy among the nobles, and make friends with the benevolent among the common people.”
[Commentary] The saying “A workman must first sharpen his tools if he wants to do a good job” is well known to the people. This is the saying “Sharpening the knife does not delay the felling of wood.” In this chapter, Confucius uses this as a metaphor to illustrate that the way to practice benevolence is to serve the virtuous and make friends with the benevolent.
Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher, imparted timeless wisdom on how to cultivate virtue and live a righteous life. In one of his teachings, he addresses the question of how to practice benevolence: “When a craftsman wants to excel in his work, he must first sharpen his tools. Similarly, in a country, one should serve the virtuous among the high officials and befriend the benevolent among the scholars” (工欲善其事，必先利其器。居是邦也，事其大夫之贤者，友其士之仁者).
Confucius uses a practical analogy to explain the essence of practicing virtue. Just as a skilled craftsman needs well-maintained tools to perform his tasks effectively, individuals seeking to practice benevolence must first align themselves with those who embody virtue and righteousness.
1. The Importance of Proper Preparation
The saying “sharpening the tools” symbolizes the importance of preparation and alignment before undertaking any significant task. For Confucius, this preparation involves surrounding oneself with people of virtue and wisdom. In a practical sense, this means:
Serving the Virtuous: Confucius suggests that by aligning oneself with wise and virtuous leaders, one can learn and be guided by their example. This is akin to a craftsman ensuring that his tools are not just functional but are of the highest quality to produce the best results.
Forming Relationships with the Benevolent: Befriending those who are benevolent and righteous enriches one’s character and supports the cultivation of virtue. These relationships offer moral support and guidance, similar to how a well-sharpened tool aids in the successful completion of a task.
2. The Broader Implications
The teaching extends beyond personal interactions to broader social implications. Confucius advocates for the development of a society where individuals actively engage with and support those who uphold moral standards. This approach fosters a community where virtues are both practiced and valued.
Building a Supportive Environment: By prioritizing relationships with the virtuous and benevolent, individuals contribute to creating a supportive and morally upright community. This environment, in turn, helps reinforce the values of righteousness and integrity.
Personal Growth: Engaging with virtuous individuals and learning from them contributes to personal growth. It encourages self-improvement and the practical application of ethical principles in daily life.
3. Practical Application
Confucius’s teaching is a call to action for those seeking to live virtuously. It emphasizes that the path to benevolence is not just about personal effort but also about actively engaging with and learning from those who exemplify the virtues one wishes to cultivate.
Seek Out Mentors: Look for mentors and leaders who demonstrate wisdom and virtue. Their guidance can provide valuable insights and direction.
Build Meaningful Relationships: Cultivate friendships with individuals who embody the values you aspire to. Their influence can support and inspire your personal development.
Confucius’s teaching underscores the importance of preparation and the strategic alignment of oneself with virtuous individuals as a pathway to practicing benevolence. Just as a craftsman needs sharp tools to excel, individuals need to surround themselves with exemplary figures to cultivate righteousness effectively. This approach not only enhances personal virtue but also contributes to a more ethical and harmonious society.