Confucius on What the Noble Person Disdains: Lessons on Integrity and Behavior
Zi Gong said, “Do gentlemen also have hatred (1)? The Master said, ”Yes, they do. He dislikes those who speak ill of others’ faults, those who are lowly and slanderous, those who are brave but rude, and those who are bold but stubborn.” ‘Do you also have any dislikes?’ ‘I dislike those who pretend to be wise, those who are not humble, those who are brave but not courteous, and those who are slanderous but not straightforward.’
[Notes] (1) 恶: wù, to dislike. (2) Lower class: inferior, lower. (3) Slander: slander. (4) Obstruct: block, not understand reason, stubborn. (5) Steal: steal, plagiarize. (6) Wisdom: the same as “wisdom.” (7) Humility: the same as “humility.” (8)讦: sound ｊｉé, to attack and expose others.
[Translation] Zi Gong said, “Do gentlemen have anything they dislike?” Confucius said, “They do. They dislike people who publicize the faults of others, they dislike people who are in a low position and slander those in a high position, they dislike people who are brave but do not know etiquette, and they dislike people who are stubborn and unreasonable.” Confucius also said, “Zi, do you have anything you dislike?” Zigong said, “I hate people who steal the achievements of others and claim them as their own, who are not humble but think they are brave, and who reveal other people’s secrets and think they are straightforward.”
In the teachings of Confucius, the nature of virtue and integrity is explored through a discussion of what the noble person despises. This reflection offers insight into the values that define nobility and the behaviors that are considered unworthy of a virtuous individual. Through this examination, Confucius provides valuable lessons on maintaining moral integrity and fostering respect in personal and social conduct.
The Passage
The passage reads:
Zi Gong asked, “Does the noble person have things they dislike?” Confucius replied, “Yes, there are things the noble person dislikes. They dislike those who spread others’ faults, those who, though lowly, slander those above them, those who are brave but lack manners, and those who are stubborn and unreasonable.” Zi Gong then asked, “Do you also have things you dislike?” Confucius replied, “Yes, I dislike those who claim others’ achievements as their own knowledge, those who mistake arrogance for courage, and those who expose others’ private matters and call it honesty.”
Analysis of Confucius’s Teachings
1. Disdain for Unworthy Behaviors
Spreading Faults: Confucius criticizes those who publicize others’ faults. This behavior reflects a lack of respect and a desire to undermine others rather than fostering positive relationships.
Slandering Superiors: The noble person detests those who, despite being in lower positions, speak ill of those in higher positions. Such behavior is seen as disrespectful and divisive, undermining social harmony.
Bravery Without Etiquette: While courage is a valued trait, it is disdained if it comes without proper manners and respect. True bravery should be tempered with courtesy and consideration.
Stubbornness and Ignorance: Confucius also disapproves of individuals who are not only stubborn but also lack understanding. Such individuals disrupt meaningful discourse and hinder progress.
2. Disdain for Misguided Traits
Claiming Others’ Achievements: The noble person dislikes those who present others’ work or accomplishments as their own. This reflects a lack of originality and integrity, undermining genuine merit.
Arrogance Mistaken for Courage: Arrogance is often mistaken for bravery. Confucius warns against this confusion, emphasizing that true courage is marked by humility and not by boastfulness.
Exposing Private Matters: Those who reveal others’ private issues under the guise of honesty are disdained. True honesty involves discretion and respect for others’ privacy, rather than unnecessary exposure.
Lessons for Modern Society
Confucius’s teachings offer timeless wisdom applicable to contemporary life:
1. Upholding Respect and Integrity
Respectful Communication: In personal and professional interactions, it is crucial to communicate respectfully and avoid spreading negativity about others. Constructive feedback and private discussions are preferable to public criticism.
Respect for Hierarchy: Maintaining respect for those in higher positions and focusing on self-improvement rather than criticizing others fosters a positive and collaborative environment.
2. Balancing Courage with Etiquette
True Bravery: Courage should be demonstrated with consideration and respect for others. Boasting and arrogance detract from true bravery, which is grounded in humility and responsibility.
Constructive Attitude: Being open to learning and adapting, rather than stubbornly sticking to one’s own views, encourages growth and understanding.
3. Cultivating Genuine Honesty
Integrity in Achievements: Acknowledging others’ contributions and striving to make one’s own mark with originality reflects genuine integrity. Honesty involves giving credit where it is due and acting with transparency.
Discretion and Respect: Handling private matters with discretion and respect preserves trust and integrity. Honesty should be exercised with sensitivity, avoiding unnecessary intrusion into others’ personal lives.
Confucius’s reflection on what the noble person despises underscores the importance of maintaining moral integrity and respect in various aspects of life. By disdaining behaviors that undermine respect, genuine achievement, and true courage, the noble person sets a standard for ethical conduct and personal growth. These teachings encourage us to strive for respect, integrity, and humility in our interactions and to approach both courage and honesty with a balanced and principled perspective.