The Hidden Wisdom of Confucius: Why Virtue Outweighs Knowledge

1·7 Zixia(1) said, “A virtuous man is respectful of virtuous men (2); he is devoted to his parents; he is devoted to his ruler; he keeps his word with his friends. Though he may say he has not studied, I would say he has.”

[Explanation]

Zixia: Zixia was the name of a student of Confucius, whose surname was Bu and whose given name was Shang. He was 44 years younger than Confucius and was born in 507 BC. After Confucius’ death, he promoted Confucius’ ideas in the state of Wei.

(2) Xian xian: the first “xian” is used as a verb, meaning to respect. Xian xian means to respect the virtuous.

(3) Yi: there are two interpretations; one is the meaning of change, which means to change one’s lust for women in order to respect the virtuous; the other is the meaning of contempt, which means to value virtue and despise women.

(4) Zhi qi shen: zhi means “to dedicate” or “to devote oneself to.” This means to dedicate one’s life to the monarch.

[Translation]

Zi Xia said, “A person who values virtue and does not value women; who serves his parents with all his heart; who serves his ruler with his life; who associates with friends and speaks honestly and keeps his word. Such a person, even if he says he has not studied, I will say he has.”

[Analysis]

In the previous chapter, there was a sentence that said, “If there is time left over after doing one’s duty, then one should study the classics.” The words Zi Xia said in this chapter are actually a further elaboration of the previous chapter. Zixia believed that whether a person has knowledge or not, and whether his knowledge is good or bad, is not primarily determined by his cultural knowledge, but by whether he can practice traditional ethics such as filial piety, loyalty, and trustworthiness. As long as he has achieved the latter points, even if he says he has not studied, he is already a person of moral cultivation. Therefore, reading and analyzing this chapter in conjunction with the previous chapter will make it even more apparent that Confucius’ education focuses on the basic characteristics of virtue.

The Virtuous Man: More Than Just Knowledge

Zixia, a devoted disciple of Confucius, highlighted the qualities of a truly learned person. According to him, a virtuous man respects those who embody virtue, devotes himself to his parents, remains loyal to his ruler, and maintains honesty and integrity in his friendships. These qualities, Zixia argued, define a person’s true education, even if he claims to lack formal study.

Respecting Virtue

Respecting virtuous individuals is the foundation of Zixia’s philosophy. In Chinese culture, this respect is not merely an acknowledgment but a deep admiration for moral character. It transcends superficial attributes and focuses on inner qualities. In today’s context, this can be seen as valuing ethical leadership and moral integrity over fame or wealth.

Devotion to Parents and Ruler

Confucianism places a strong emphasis on filial piety and loyalty. Zixia’s assertion that devotion to one’s parents and ruler is paramount reflects a hierarchical yet deeply personal bond. In modern terms, this could translate to showing respect and care for family and committing to one’s responsibilities in professional and civic life.

Honesty and Integrity in Friendships

Zixia’s emphasis on honesty and keeping one’s word in friendships underscores the importance of trust. In a world where social connections often seem fleeting and transactional, this ancient wisdom advocates for genuine and reliable relationships. Building and maintaining trust is a timeless principle that fosters lasting bonds.

Knowledge vs. Virtue

Zixia’s statement challenges the conventional view that formal education is the sole measure of a person’s worth. Instead, he argues that moral qualities and ethical behavior are the true indicators of a learned individual. This perspective encourages us to look beyond academic credentials and consider the character and actions of a person.

Modern Relevance

In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive world, Zixia’s words remind us of the enduring value of virtue. While knowledge and skills are crucial, they must be grounded in a strong ethical foundation. This balance is essential for personal fulfillment and societal harmony.