The Wisdom of Moderation: Confucius’ Insight on Virtue

Zi Gong asked, “Which is better, Master or Shang (1)? The Master said, “The Master is too much, and Shang is not enough.” Zi Gong said, “Then the Master is better (2)?” The Master said, “Too much is as bad as not enough.”

[Notes]

(1) The Master and Shang: The Master, Zi Zhang, and Shang, Bu Shang, Zi Xia.

(2) Better: better than, stronger than.

[Translation]

Zi Gong asked Confucius, “Which of Zi Zhang and Zi Xia is better?” Confucius replied, “Zizhang is too much, and Zixia is not enough.” Zi Gong said, “Then is Zizhang better?” Confucius said, “Being too much is the same as not enough.”

[Analysis]

“Being too much is the same as not enough” is a concrete explanation of the philosophy of the mean. The Doctrine of the Mean says, “Being too much is the same as not enough.” “I know why the Way is not practiced. The wise man goes too far, and the fool does not go far enough. I know why the Way is not understood. The wise man exceeds it, and the unworthy man does not reach it.” ‘He who holds the two extremes and uses the middle for the people, is he not Shun?’ This means that Shun took the middle between the two extremes, neither too much nor too little, and used the middle to teach the people, so he was a great sage. This is a specific explanation of Confucius’ ‘excess and deficiency’ in this chapter. Since Zi Zhang did too much and Zi Xia did not do enough, neither was good, so Confucius’ evaluation of the two was: ”excess and deficiency.”

In the realm of classical Chinese philosophy, the principle of moderation holds a place of great significance. This concept is vividly illustrated in a dialogue between Confucius and his disciple, Zigong. The discussion centers on the merits of two prominent figures, Zizhang and Zixia, and serves as a profound lesson in the importance of balance in personal virtues.

Zigong once inquired of Confucius, “Who is more virtuous, Zizhang or Zixia?” To which Confucius replied, “Zizhang exceeds in some aspects, while Zixia falls short.” Zigong, seeking clarity, asked, “So, is Zizhang better then?” Confucius responded, “Both excess and deficiency are equally problematic.”

This exchange highlights a key aspect of Confucian thought: the idea that both extremes—whether in actions or character—are undesirable. The phrase “过犹不及” (guò yóu bù jí), which translates to “excess is as bad as deficiency,” encapsulates this concept. It signifies that true virtue lies not in the extremes but in the balanced middle ground.

The term “过犹不及” can be understood through the lens of the Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong), one of the Confucian classics. The text states, “To deviate from the mean is to fall into either excess or deficiency. The wise man knows this and stays in the middle path.” The ideal of moderation is exemplified by figures like Shun, who is revered for his ability to balance opposing qualities without falling into excess or deficiency. His example is held up as a model of the “mean,” showing how one should cultivate virtues in a balanced manner.

Confucius’ assessment of Zizhang and Zixia underscores this principle. Zizhang’s virtues are seen as excessive, perhaps implying a rigidity or extremity that detracts from the ideal. On the other hand, Zixia’s shortcomings suggest a lack of the necessary qualities that would make him truly virtuous. Both extremes, according to Confucius, are equally flawed because they fail to achieve the balanced virtue that is central to the Confucian ideal.

In modern times, this lesson remains relevant. Whether in personal development, professional conduct, or interpersonal relationships, the wisdom of moderation teaches us that neither overachievement nor underachievement leads to true success. Instead, a balanced approach—one that integrates qualities of wisdom, integrity, and restraint—creates a harmonious and effective way of living.

Confucius’ teaching encourages us to strive for a balanced life, where virtues are practiced in moderation, avoiding the pitfalls of excess and deficiency. By embracing the middle path, we can cultivate a more harmonious and fulfilling existence, reflecting the timeless wisdom of ancient Chinese philosophy.