Understanding Confucius’s Disappointment with the Hermits
Chang Ju and Jie Nie (1) plowed (2) together. Confucius passed by and asked Zilu to ask for directions (3). Chang Ju said, ‘Who is the one holding the yoke (4)?’ Zilu said, ‘It’s Confucius.’ He said, ”Is it Confucius of Lu?” He said, “Yes.” He said, “You know the way.” He asked Jie Nü. Jie Nü said, “Who are you for?” He said, “For Zhong You.” He said, “Is he a disciple of Confucius?” He said, “Yes.” He said, “The world is full of people like this, but who can replace them (5)? And who would rather follow a man who is shunned by others than a man who is respected by others?” He continued to work without stopping. Zilu went to inform him. The Master looked at him with a troubled expression and said, “Birds and beasts cannot be kept together in a herd. If I am not one of these people, then who is? As long as there is a way in the world, I will not change it.”
[Notes] (1) Chang Ju and Jie Nie: two hermits, whose real names and backgrounds are unknown. (2) Plowing together: two people work together to plow. (3) Asking for the ferry: ferry, a crossing. Asking for the crossing. (4) 执舆: 即执辔. (5) 之: 与. (6) 辟: 同“避”. (7) 耰: 音ｙōｕ, 用土覆盖种子. (8) 怃然: 怅然, 失意.
[Translation] Chang Ju and Jie Nie were farming together when Confucius passed by and asked Zilu to find out where the ferry was. Chang Ju asked Zilu, “Who is the one holding the reins?” Zilu said, “It’s Kong Qiu.” Chang Ju said, “Is it Kong Qiu of the state of Lu?” Zilu said, “Yes.” Chang Ju said, “Then he already knew where the ferry crossing was.” Zilu went to ask Jie Nai again. Jie Nai said, “Who are you?” Zilu said, “I am Zhong You.” Jie Nai said, “Are you a disciple of Kong Qiu of the state of Lu?” Zilu said, “Yes.” Jie Nü said, “Bad things are everywhere like a flood. Who are you going to change it with? And why don’t you follow us who avoid society instead of following those who avoid people?” After that, he continued to work in the fields. Zilu came back and reported the situation to Confucius. Confucius said disappointedly, “People cannot live with birds and beasts. If you don’t deal with the people in the world, who else will you deal with? If the world is peaceful, I wouldn’t have come with you to reform it.”
Commentary: This chapter reflects Confucius’s subjective desire for social reform and his positive view of the world. Confucianism does not advocate the practice of passively avoiding the world, unlike Taoism. Confucianism believes that even if one cannot manage one’s family, govern the country, or bring peace to the world, one should still strive to be a moral person. Confucius was such a person. Therefore, he felt a sense of social responsibility. It was precisely because of the social unrest and the lack of justice in the world that he and his disciples worked tirelessly to appeal to society and strive for social reform. This is a valuable sense of crisis and a sense of historical responsibility.
In ancient China, Confucius’s journey was often marked by his encounters with various figures, each offering a unique perspective on life and governance. One such encounter was with two reclusive hermits, Chang Ju and Jie Ni, who lived a life of isolation and self-sufficiency. This story provides profound insights into Confucius’s views on social responsibility and reform.
The Hermits’ Perspective
Chang Ju and Jie Ni were known for their rejection of worldly affairs. They lived a simple life, away from the chaos of society, focusing solely on their farming. When Confucius passed by, he sent his disciple, Zi Lu, to inquire about the location of a river crossing. This simple request turned into a revealing exchange about their views on social engagement.
Chang Ju, upon learning that the person with Zi Lu was Confucius, commented, “He must already know where the crossing is.” His response indicated a lack of interest in engaging with Confucius’s mission, as he believed that those who avoided social issues were already knowledgeable enough.
A Deeper Critique
Jie Ni, on the other hand, was more direct in his critique. When asked about his identity, Jie Ni questioned Zi Lu about the value of their efforts. He compared the flood of social problems to a vast sea, suggesting that their efforts to avoid the problems were futile. Jie Ni felt that aligning with those who avoided social engagement was less valuable than addressing the problems directly.
Confucius’s Disappointment
Confucius’s reaction to this encounter was one of deep disappointment. He remarked, “Birds and beasts cannot be part of the same flock. If I am not to interact with people of this world, then who should I interact with? If there were a way to bring peace to the world, I would not be here, striving with my disciples.” This reflects Confucius’s belief that one must engage with society, even in the face of difficulties, to effect meaningful change.
The Confucian Perspective on Social Responsibility
This interaction highlights a crucial aspect of Confucian thought: the importance of active participation in societal affairs. Unlike Daoism, which often emphasizes withdrawal from the world, Confucianism advocates for engagement and reform. Confucius’s disappointment with the hermits underscores his belief that avoiding social responsibilities is not a solution. Instead, he saw value in confronting and addressing social issues directly, reflecting his commitment to moral and societal improvement.
Confucius’s philosophy emphasizes that even if one cannot achieve the ultimate goal of harmonizing the family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world, striving to live a virtuous life and contributing to societal betterment are essential. His efforts to call for reform and his tireless work with his disciples exemplify this commitment.
Confucius’s encounter with Chang Ju and Jie Ni serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of active engagement in addressing societal issues. The story highlights the contrast between the passive approach of isolation and the proactive stance of reform. Through this narrative, we gain a deeper understanding of Confucius’s dedication to social responsibility and his belief that true virtue involves both personal integrity and active participation in the betterment of society.