Why Confucius Remains Unassailable: The Timeless Nature of True Virtue

Shu Sun Wushu slandered Zhongni. Zigong said, ”Don’t think about it! Zhongni cannot be slandered. The virtuous men of others are like hills, which can still be surpassed; Zhongni is like the sun and moon, which cannot be surpassed. Even if someone wants to cut himself off, what harm will it do to the sun and moon? It just shows that he doesn’t know his own measure.”

[Notes] (1) Du: used as an adverb, meaning just.

[Translation] Shu Sun Wushu slandered Zhongni. Zi Gong said, ”It’s useless to do so! Zhongni is beyond reproach. The virtue of others is like a hill, which can be surpassed, but Zhongni’s virtue is like the sun and the moon, which cannot be surpassed. Although someone wants to cut himself off from the sun and the moon, what harm will it do to the sun and the moon? It only shows that he does not know his own strength.

In the annals of Chinese philosophy, Confucius stands as an indomitable figure whose virtue and wisdom are often compared to celestial bodies like the sun and moon. A revealing incident underscores this notion: Shusun Wushu, a prominent figure, attempted to discredit Confucius, only to be countered by Zigong, one of Confucius’s distinguished disciples.

The Incident

Shusun Wushu’s disparaging remarks about Confucius were met with a strong rebuttal from Zigong. The conversation highlights a critical philosophical point about the nature of virtue and the limits of human critique.

Zigong’s Response

Zigong addressed the slander by saying:

“Such efforts are in vain! Confucius cannot be discredited. The virtue of others can be likened to hills and valleys—one might surpass them. But Confucius’s virtue is like the sun and moon—unattainable and unsurpassable. Even if someone tries to distance themselves from the sun and moon, it does not affect them. This only shows that the person is overestimating their own ability.”

This response can be unpacked in several ways:

Comparison of Virtue: Zigong compares Confucius’s virtue to celestial bodies, contrasting it with the virtues of others. Hills and valleys symbolize achievable, finite goals, whereas the sun and moon represent eternal, boundless principles. This metaphor illustrates the idea that Confucius’s moral and intellectual stature is beyond reach and cannot be undermined by mere criticism.

The Nature of Celestial Bodies: The comparison to the sun and moon emphasizes that true virtue is self-sustaining and unaffected by external attacks. Just as the sun and moon continue their celestial paths regardless of human opinions, Confucius’s virtue remains unaffected by criticism.

The Futility of Slander: Zigong points out that attempts to undermine Confucius are futile because his virtue is absolute and transcendent. The idea that someone could harm the sun and moon by disparaging them is inherently absurd, just as it is absurd to think one can damage Confucius’s virtue through slander.

Broader Implications

This exchange reveals important insights into the nature of true virtue and its relationship to public perception:

Enduring Virtue: True virtue is not contingent upon external validation or acceptance. Like the sun and moon, it exists independently of human opinions and is unaffected by transient criticism.

Limits of Human Critique: Human attempts to discredit profound virtue often reveal more about the critic’s limitations than about the subject of their criticism. The critic’s inability to surpass or even understand the true nature of the virtue they attack is evident.

Philosophical Integrity: The integrity of philosophical principles, especially those of figures like Confucius, is rooted in their timeless relevance and inherent worth. Such principles are self-evident and enduring, transcending the fluctuating opinions of individuals.

Lessons for Contemporary Readers

The incident between Shusun Wushu and Zigong offers valuable lessons for modern readers:

Appreciate True Excellence: Recognize and respect the true nature of excellence and virtue. Understand that some qualities are intrinsic and enduring, and cannot be diminished by superficial critiques.

Focus on Self-Improvement: Instead of focusing on the shortcomings of others, concentrate on self-improvement and personal growth. Genuine progress comes from enhancing one’s own virtues rather than attacking those of others.

Understand the Nature of Criticism: Criticism should be constructive and aimed at fostering growth. When dealing with profound virtues or achievements, understand that genuine critique should focus on learning rather than undermining.

Embrace Timeless Principles: Appreciate the timeless principles of great thinkers and leaders. Their contributions and virtues are often beyond temporary trends and criticisms, offering enduring wisdom and guidance.

The debate surrounding Confucius’s virtue highlights a fundamental truth about the nature of true excellence. Just as the sun and moon shine with an unassailable brilliance, the virtues of great thinkers like Confucius remain beyond the reach of transient criticism. By reflecting on this timeless quality, we can better appreciate the enduring nature of virtue and the futility of undermining true greatness.