Confucius’ Generosity: A Lesson in Charity and Cultural Values
6-5 The original thought(1) for the slaughter(2), and with the corn of nine hundred(3), resigned. Zi said: “No, in order to be with your neighbors and townspeople (4) it!”
[Notes
(1) Original Si: Surname original name Xian, the word Zisi, Lu people. A student of Confucius, born in 515 BC. When Confucius was a magistrate in the state of Lu, Yuan Si was the chief administrator of his house.
(2) Zai: family zai, housekeeper.
(3) Nine hundred: no indication of what the unit is.
(4) Neighbors and Villagers: It is said that in ancient times, five families were neighbors, 25 families were li, 12,500 families were townships, and 500 families were parties. Here it refers to the fellow villagers of Yuan Si, or the people around his hometown.
[Translation
When Confucius gave him a salary of nine hundred meters, Yuan Si refused to accept it. Confucius said, “Don’t refuse. （If you have more, give it to your folks.”
[Commentary
It is a Confucian tradition to treat people with “benevolence and love”. Confucius’ advocacy of helping the poor is a very compassionate approach. This can be linked to the previous chapter.
One particular story illustrates his deep sense of generosity and commitment to communal well-being.
The story begins with a figure named Yuan Si, who was a prominent disciple of Confucius. Yuan Si, originally named Yuan Xian and known for his earnest dedication to Confucius, had once served as the steward of Confucius’ household. During a period of his stewardship, Confucius offered Yuan Si a substantial gift of 900 measures of grain as a token of appreciation. However, Yuan Si humbly declined this generous gift.
Confucius responded with a profound statement: “Do not decline it. If you have more than you need, you should share it with your neighbors and fellow townspeople.” This response highlights a key aspect of Confucian philosophy: the importance of benevolence and sharing with one’s community.
In ancient China, social structures were tightly knit, and the concept of community and mutual support was central to societal values. The term “neighbors and fellow townspeople” (邻里乡党) refers to the network of people within one’s local area, reflecting the idea that individual prosperity should benefit the larger community. This principle is deeply rooted in Confucian ethics, which emphasize compassion and the moral obligation to assist those in need.
The act of sharing not only demonstrates individual kindness but also reinforces social cohesion. By encouraging Yuan Si to distribute the surplus grain among his community, Confucius was promoting a culture of collective welfare and mutual assistance. This aligns with the broader Confucian teaching of “Ren” (仁), often translated as “benevolence” or “humaneness,” which underscores the importance of empathy and kindness in human interactions.
This story also connects with broader themes in Confucian thought, including the ideal of selflessness and the moral duty to contribute positively to society. Confucius believed that true virtue is reflected in one’s actions toward others, and that personal success should be shared for the greater good.