The Three Virtuous Figures of the Shang Dynasty: Lessons in Integrity
Wei Zi (1) left, Ji Zi (2) became a slave, and Bi Gan (3) died after admonishing the king. Confucius said, “There were three people of integrity in the Yin dynasty.”
[Annotation] (1) Wei Zi: the elder brother of King Zhou of Yin. Seeing that King Zhou was unrighteous, he advised him to listen, but he did not. (2) Ji Zi: Ji, pronounced jī. Ji Zi was the uncle of King Zhou of the Yin Dynasty. He went to persuade King Zhou, but when the king refused to listen, he let his hair down and pretended to be crazy, and was reduced to a slave. (3) Bi Gan: Bi Gan was the uncle of King Zhou of the Yin Dynasty. He repeatedly admonished the king, angered the king, and was killed.
[Translation] Wei Zi left King Zhou, Ji Zi became his slave, and Bi Gan was killed. Confucius said, “These are the three benevolent men of the Yin dynasty!”
Confucius, one of China’s most revered philosophers, often used historical figures to illustrate his teachings on morality and virtue. Among his notable examples are the figures from the Shang Dynasty, whose stories reflect deep ethical principles. These individuals—Wei Zi, Ji Zi, and Bi Gan—embody traits of integrity and righteousness that continue to resonate through history.
The Passage
Confucius said, “Wei Zi left King Zhou, Ji Zi became his slave, and Bi Gan was killed. These are the three virtuous individuals of the Shang Dynasty.”
Context and Analysis
1. Historical Context
Wei Zi: Wei Zi, the elder brother of the tyrannical Shang king, King Zhou, opposed his brother’s misrule. Unable to convince the king to reform, Wei Zi chose to leave the court, distancing himself from the corruption. His departure symbolizes a stand against injustice, showing moral integrity by removing himself from a corrupt environment.
Ji Zi: Ji Zi, Wei Zi’s uncle, was a loyal advisor to the Shang Dynasty. He attempted to counsel King Zhou but faced severe consequences when his advice was ignored. To avoid the king’s wrath, Ji Zi pretended to be mad and was consequently reduced to slavery. His story highlights the sacrifices made for the sake of ethical principles and the personal cost of standing against tyranny.
Bi Gan: Another uncle of King Zhou, Bi Gan was known for his outspoken criticism of the king’s misrule. His repeated attempts to advise the king were met with hostility, leading to his execution. Bi Gan’s fate underscores the dangers of uncompromising virtue in the face of absolute power and his ultimate sacrifice for the sake of righteousness.
2. Lessons in Virtue and Integrity
Confucius’s reference to these figures is not merely historical but serves as a moral lesson. Here’s what their stories teach us:
Standing Against Injustice: Wei Zi, Ji Zi, and Bi Gan all faced personal loss and danger because they opposed moral corruption. Their actions illustrate the principle of standing firm against injustice, even when it involves significant personal sacrifice. Their courage in the face of tyranny offers a timeless lesson on the importance of moral integrity.
Sacrifice for Principles: Each figure endured hardship as a result of their adherence to ethical principles. Ji Zi’s transition from advisor to slave, and Bi Gan’s ultimate death, emphasize the high cost of moral conviction. Their stories encourage individuals to prioritize ethical values over personal comfort or safety.
The Cost of Integrity: The lives of these virtuous figures reveal the often harsh consequences of maintaining integrity in corrupt environments. Confucius used their stories to underscore the idea that true virtue may involve great personal sacrifice but remains a noble pursuit.
Modern Applications
Confucius’s teachings on these historical figures can be applied to contemporary situations, offering valuable insights into personal and professional ethics.
1. Personal Integrity
Courage to Speak Up: In modern contexts, standing up for what is right can also involve risks. Whether in personal relationships or professional settings, having the courage to address wrongdoing reflects the integrity demonstrated by Wei Zi, Ji Zi, and Bi Gan.
Resisting Corruption: Just as these figures resisted the corruption of their time, individuals today can strive to maintain ethical standards in their personal and professional lives, even when faced with difficult circumstances.
2. Professional Ethics
Leadership and Responsibility: Leaders and advisors in today’s world can learn from the sacrifices of Ji Zi and Bi Gan. Upholding ethical standards, even when it is challenging, is crucial for fostering trust and maintaining integrity within organizations.
Navigating Corruption: Addressing corruption and unethical behavior in any organization requires both courage and resilience. The stories of these historical figures serve as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one’s principles despite the pressures to conform.
The stories of Wei Zi, Ji Zi, and Bi Gan, as highlighted by Confucius, provide enduring lessons in integrity, courage, and sacrifice. Their lives exemplify the profound impact of maintaining ethical principles even in the face of severe adversity. By reflecting on their experiences, we can better appreciate the value of virtue and the importance of standing firm in our beliefs, regardless of the challenges we may encounter.