Becoming a Perfect Person: Confucius’ Timeless Wisdom

Zilu asked about being a complete person (1). The Master said, “If he has the knowledge of Zang Wuzhong (2), the disinclination of Gong Chuo, the courage of Bian Zhuangzi (3), and the skill of Ran Qiu, and if he can add to these the cultivation of music and the rites, he may be called a perfect man.” Lu said, “What must a perfect man be now? He must think of what is right when he sees an advantage, give his life when he sees danger, and not forget the words of his youth when he is in need.

[Notes] (1) Perfect man: a complete person with a complete personality. (2) Zang Wuzhong: Zang Sunxie, a minister of the state of Lu. (3) Bian Zhuangzi: Bian Yizhi, a minister of the state of Lu. (4) Jiuyao: to be in poverty for a long time.

[Translation] Zilu asked what it takes to be a perfect person. Confucius said, “If one has the wisdom of Zang Wuzhong, the restraint of Meng Gongchuo, the bravery of Bian Zhuangzi, the versatility of Ran Qiu, and is adorned with music and ritual, then one can be considered a perfect person.” Confucius also said, “Why must a perfect person be like this? If one can think of righteousness when faced with wealth and gain, be willing to sacrifice one’s life when faced with danger, and not forget one’s promises even when living in poverty for a long time, then one can also be considered a perfect person.”

Commentary: This chapter discusses the issue of personal integrity. Confucius believed that a person with integrity should be wise, restrained, brave, versatile, and refined with music and ritual. At this point, Confucius also believed that a person with integrity should be able to think about justice when faced with profit and danger, and when living in poverty for a long time, he should be able to remember his words and not forget his promises. In particular, this chapter puts forward the idea of “considering the moral implications of a profitable opportunity,” that is, when faced with a profitable opportunity, one should consider whether it is in line with the moral principles, and if not, one should not take it. This saying has had a great influence on later generations.

Confucius, one of the most influential philosophers in Chinese history, offers profound insights into what it means to be a perfect person. In his teachings, he addresses the qualities and behaviors that define a complete and virtuous individual. This timeless wisdom remains relevant today, providing guidance on personal development and ethical conduct.

The Ideal Qualities

Confucius begins by outlining the attributes of a perfect person through the example of several historical figures:

Wisdom: He references Zang Wu Zhong, a wise minister from the state of Lu. Wisdom is crucial for making sound decisions and understanding the complexities of life.

Self-Restraint: Meng Gong Chuo exemplifies self-restraint. Being able to control one’s desires and impulses is essential for maintaining integrity and discipline.

Courage: Bian Zhuang Zi is noted for his bravery. Courage is not just physical but also moral, allowing one to stand up for what is right even in the face of danger.

Versatility: Ran Qiu represents versatility, possessing a wide range of talents. A perfect person should be skilled in various areas, enhancing their ability to contribute to society.

Cultural Refinement: The importance of cultural refinement through rites and music is emphasized. This refinement cultivates a sense of harmony and respect for tradition.

Modern Application

Confucius then shifts to a more accessible standard for modern times. He suggests that one does not need to possess all these exceptional qualities to be considered perfect. Instead, he identifies three key behaviors:

Righteousness Over Profit: “Seeing profit, think of righteousness.” In a world often driven by greed, this principle urges individuals to prioritize ethical considerations over personal gain. It’s a reminder to evaluate whether actions align with moral values before pursuing them.

Courage in Adversity: “Seeing danger, be willing to give your life.” This reflects the importance of bravery and sacrifice in difficult situations. It’s about having the courage to act rightly even when faced with significant risks.

Loyalty and Integrity: “In long-term poverty, do not forget your words.” This stresses the importance of keeping one’s promises and maintaining integrity, regardless of circumstances. True character is revealed in times of hardship.

Confucius’ teachings on becoming a perfect person are both timeless and practical. By embodying wisdom, self-restraint, courage, versatility, and cultural refinement, or by simply adhering to righteousness, bravery, and integrity, one can achieve a state of moral and personal excellence. These principles not only contribute to individual development but also foster a just and harmonious society.

For those seeking personal growth and ethical guidance, Confucius’ wisdom offers a profound and enduring path to becoming a perfect person.