Why Only the Wise and the Foolish Remain Unchanged: Insights from Confucius
The Master said, “Only the superior and the inferior are not to be moved.”
[Translation] Confucius said, “Only the superior and the inferior are not to be moved.”
[Commentary] “The wise” refers to noble and wise people, and “the foolish” refers to lowly and stupid people. These two types of people are determined by their innate nature and cannot be changed. If this concept is viewed from a class analysis perspective, it has the side of discriminating against and even insulting the working people, which should be pointed out.
Confucius, the renowned Chinese philosopher, once observed: “Only the wise and the foolish remain unchanged.” This succinct statement encapsulates a profound reflection on human nature and the potential for personal growth. Let’s explore the meaning and implications of this insight.
Understanding the Wise and the Foolish
Confucius distinguishes between two types of people: the “wise” and the “foolish.” In this context:
The Wise: This term refers to individuals who possess profound wisdom and understanding. Their perspectives and actions are deeply rooted in their exceptional insight and intellect. Confucius implies that such individuals have a fixed, unchangeable nature due to their high level of wisdom.
The Foolish: Conversely, “foolish” individuals are those who lack wisdom and insight. Their behavior and choices are often driven by ignorance or poor judgment. According to Confucius, their limited understanding also makes their state of being relatively static.
The Nature of Change
Confucius’s observation suggests that both extremes—extreme wisdom and extreme foolishness—exhibit a form of stasis. Here’s why:
Unchanging Wisdom: Highly wise individuals are so grounded in their understanding that they are rarely swayed by external influences. Their principles and values are steadfast, making their outlook on life stable and consistent. This unchanging nature is seen as a mark of their deep-seated wisdom.
Unchanging Foolishness: Similarly, individuals who lack wisdom often remain in their state of ignorance. They may resist change or new ideas because their lack of insight prevents them from recognizing the need for growth or adaptation. Their foolishness becomes a defining, unchanging characteristic.
The Implications of Confucius’s Insight
Confucius’s view highlights a broader reflection on human potential and the nature of change:
Potential for Growth: Most people fall between these extremes and have the capacity for personal growth and change. Unlike the wise and the foolish, those in between can evolve through learning, self-reflection, and experience. This capacity for change is a central theme in Confucian philosophy, emphasizing the importance of education and self-improvement.
Encouraging Adaptability: Recognizing that wisdom and foolishness are extremes can encourage individuals to strive for balance. It highlights the importance of striving for wisdom while being aware of and addressing one’s own limitations.
Social Reflection: The notion of unchanging wisdom and foolishness also prompts reflection on societal structures. It encourages examining how different individuals and groups interact with wisdom and ignorance and how these interactions impact personal and societal growth.