The Noble vs. the Petty: How True Character Shines Through Adversity
When they ran out of food in Chen, the followers became ill and could not get up. Zilu was angry and said, “Is there no way for a gentleman to get out of trouble?” The Master said, “A gentleman can endure poverty, but a mean man will do anything when he is in trouble.”
[Notes] (1)愠: angry, resentful. (2)固穷: to persist in poverty, to be content with poverty.
[Translation] (Confucius and his party) ran out of food in the state of Chen, and his followers all became ill from hunger. Zilu came to see Confucius in a very unhappy mood and said, “Is it possible that a gentleman can be so poor that he has no way out?” Confucius said, “Although a gentleman is poor, he still perseveres; a petty person will do anything when he is in trouble.”
[Commentary] From this chapter onwards, there are several chapters that talk about the differences between a gentleman and a petty person in certain aspects. Here, Confucius talks about the obvious differences between a gentleman and a petty person when faced with a situation of poverty and destitution.
In ancient China, Confucius and his disciples faced many trials, including severe shortages of food. During one such period in the state of Chen, when supplies ran out and his followers fell ill from hunger, Confucius was approached by his disciple, Zi Lu. Distressed by the dire situation, Zi Lu asked, “Even a gentleman can be reduced to such dire straits?”
Confucius responded with a profound insight into character and virtue: “A gentleman, though impoverished, remains steadfast and honorable. In contrast, a petty person, when faced with hardship, may resort to any means to alleviate their suffering.”
This exchange highlights a fundamental difference between the gentleman (君子, junzi) and the petty person (小人, xiaoren). For Confucius, the gentleman is defined not by material wealth but by their ability to uphold their principles and integrity, even in the face of adversity. The petty person, on the other hand, lacks this resilience and moral fortitude. Their character is revealed not through their actions in times of plenty, but rather through their responses to hardship.
The essence of Confucius’ teaching here is that true nobility is tested during difficult times. While the gentleman remains true to their values, the petty person’s true nature is exposed as they might abandon their principles for short-term gains.
This reflection offers valuable insight into human nature and ethics. It encourages us to consider our own responses to challenges and adversity. Are we guided by our values, or do we compromise our principles when faced with difficulties? Confucius’ wisdom reminds us that the measure of one’s character is often revealed through one’s actions in the most trying circumstances.