Confucius on Charity: Helping the Needy vs. Enriching the Wealthy
6-4 When Zihua(1) was envoyed to Qi, Ranzi(2) asked for corn(3) for his mother. Zi said, “With the kettle(4).” Please benefit. Zi said, “With the Yu(5).” Ran Zi with the corn five Bing. Zi said: “The red is also suitable for Qi, riding a fat horse and wearing light fur. I have heard: the gentleman Zhou (6) urgent not to help the rich.”
[Commentary
(1) Zihua: surnamed Gong Xi named Chi, the word Zihua, a student of Confucius, 42 years younger than Confucius.
(2) Ran Zi: Ran You, in the book of the Analects of Confucius disciples called “Zi” only four or five people, Ran You is one of them.
(3) Corn: In ancient Chinese, when corn is used in conjunction with rice, corn refers to shelled grain, which is called rice after it is shelled; when the word corn is used alone, it refers to rice.
(4) kettle: fǔ, the ancient name of measurement, a kettle is equal to about six buckets and four liters.
(5) Yu: yǔ, an ancient measure, one yu is equal to two dou and four liters.
(6) Zhou: circumference, relief.
Translation
When Zi Hua was on a mission to Qi, Ran Qiu asked Confucius for some grain and rice subsidies on behalf of his mother. Confucius said, “Give him six buckets and four liters.” Ran Qiu asked for some more. Confucius said, “Give him two more dou and four more liters.” Ran Qiu, however, gave him eighty ducats. Confucius said, “Gong Xi Chi went to Qi, riding in a car driven by a fat horse and wearing a warm and light leather robe. I have heard that a gentleman is only a man who circumvents those who are in dire need of relief, not one who circumvents the rich.”
[Commentary
Confucius advocated that “a gentleman should help the needy but not the rich”, which was from the Confucian idea of “love and benevolence”. Confucius’ doctrine of “love for others” is not narrowly limited to love for one’s own family and friends, but has a certain universality. But he also believed that it was only the poor who should be helped, not the rich, and that one should “send charcoal in the snow” rather than “add flowers to the brocade”. This idea is in line with humanitarianism.
A notable example can be found in a story involving one of Confucius’ students, Zihua, and another disciple, Ran Zi. This episode provides insight into Confucius’ views on charity and the responsibilities of those in a position to give.
The Incident
Zihua, also known as Gongxi Chi, was a student of Confucius who was sent on a diplomatic mission to the state of Qi. During his absence, Ran Zi, a fellow disciple, approached Confucius with a request for financial aid. Ran Zi sought assistance for his mother in the form of grain. In response, Confucius instructed, “Give him six dou and four sheng,” which is an ancient Chinese measurement of grain. When Ran Zi requested an additional amount, Confucius agreed to give “two dou and four sheng” more.
Despite these instructions, Ran Zi provided Zihua with a significantly larger amount—eighty hu of grain. Confucius, upon learning this, remarked, “Gongxi Chi arrived in Qi riding a fine horse and wearing a warm and light fur coat. I have heard that a gentleman should provide aid to those in urgent need, not to the wealthy.”
Analysis of Confucius’ Teachings
Confucius’ teaching, “A gentleman helps those in urgent need rather than enriching the wealthy,” reflects his broader philosophy of compassion and justice. This concept is rooted in Confucianism’s emphasis on “Ren,” or humaneness, which extends beyond personal relationships to include a sense of responsibility toward the less fortunate.
Confucius believed that true charity involves offering help where it is most needed. His approach advocates for providing “snow in winter” rather than “flowers in spring”—meaning that aid should be given to those who are in dire situations rather than those who are already well-off. This principle underscores a humanitarian perspective, where the focus is on alleviating genuine hardship rather than merely adding to the comforts of those who are already privileged.
In essence, Confucius’ teachings suggest that moral virtue involves not just helping those who are struggling but also ensuring that such help is meaningful and impactful. This perspective is particularly relevant in contemporary discussions on ethics and charity, reminding us that the most effective aid is that which addresses pressing needs rather than reinforcing existing advantages.
By reflecting on Confucius’ insights, we gain a deeper understanding of the values that guided his moral teachings and their relevance to modern practices of generosity and support. His wisdom encourages us to consider how we can make a real difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate, embodying the true spirit of compassionate and equitable aid.