Confucius on Guan Zhong: Lessons in Frugality and Etiquette

3·22 The Master said, “How small a man Guan Zhong (1) was!” Or, “Was Guan Zhong frugal?” He said, “Guan had three residences (2), and he did not attend to official business (3). “Then does Guan Zhong know propriety?“ He said, ‘The lord of the state has a gate at the entrance to his house, and Guan Zhong has a gate at the entrance to his house. The lord of the state has a counter for the two lords’ friendship, and Guan Zhong also has a counter. Guan Zhong knows propriety, and who does not know propriety?”

[Notes]

(1) Guan Zhong: surname Guan, name Yi Wu, a native of Qi, a pioneer of the legalist school in the Spring and Autumn Period. He was the prime minister of King Huan of Qi and assisted him in becoming the overlord of the feudal lords. He died in 645 BC.

(2) Three return: According to legend, it refers to three treasuries where money was stored.

(3) Acting: Acting in two roles at the same time.

(4) Tree-sealed door: Tree, to establish. Sealed door, a short wall built at the entrance to distinguish between inside and outside, equivalent to a screen, a screen, etc.

(5) Fan-deng: deng, pronounced diàn. In ancient times, when a monarch entertained a guest from another country, he would place an earthen platform on which the empty wine cups used for the offering were placed.

Translation

Confucius said, “Guan Zhong is really narrow-minded!” Someone said, “Is Guan Zhong frugal?” Confucius said, “He has three luxurious gold storage houses, and the manager of his household is also in charge of only one position and does not hold any other positions. How can he be considered frugal?” The man asked again, “Then is Guan Zhong a man of propriety?” Confucius replied, “The king has a screen at the entrance to his palace, and Guan Zhong has a screen at the entrance to his palace. The king has a device for holding empty wine cups on the table when he meets with other kings, and Guan Zhong has a device for holding empty wine cups on the table. If Guan Zhong is a man of propriety, then who is not?”

[Analysis]

In the Analects, Confucius made several comments on Guan Zhong. Here, Confucius criticized Guan Zhong for being wasteful and not knowing etiquette, and his starting point was also the Confucian principles of frugality and etiquette. In other chapters, Confucius also made positive comments about Guan Zhong.

Guan Zhong, known for his role as the prime minister of the state of Qi, is a figure often discussed in the Analects of Confucius. His life and actions provide a lens through which Confucius’s values can be understood. In one passage, Confucius critiques Guan Zhong’s character by contrasting his actions with Confucian ideals of modesty and propriety.

Guan Zhong’s Wealth and Frugality

Confucius starts by questioning the notion of Guan Zhong’s frugality. Despite having three luxurious storage houses for gold, Guan Zhong was criticized for his opulence. This critique reveals Confucius’s perspective that true frugality extends beyond mere appearances and involves a deeper commitment to modest living and responsible governance. The wealth and extravagance of Guan Zhong seemed to contradict the Confucian ideal of simplicity and restraint.

Understanding Propriety through Guan Zhong’s Example

The discussion then shifts to Guan Zhong’s adherence to propriety. Confucius notes that both the king and Guan Zhong had similar customs and practices, such as the use of screens at the entrances of their residences and devices for holding empty wine cups during formal meetings. This comparison highlights a critical point: if Guan Zhong’s practices are deemed sufficient in terms of propriety, then it raises questions about the standards expected from others.

Confucius’s evaluation suggests that propriety is not merely about following outward rituals but about understanding and embodying the underlying principles. Guan Zhong’s practices, though similar to those of the king, were scrutinized to reveal deeper insights into the nature of propriety and the expectations placed upon influential figures.

Confucian Critique and Historical Context

Confucius’s comments on Guan Zhong reflect a broader critique of leadership and moral standards of his time. While Guan Zhong is often praised for his administrative skills and contributions to the state of Qi, Confucius’s observations serve as a reminder of the importance of aligning one’s actions with core Confucian values. This critique is not merely an assessment of Guan Zhong’s character but also a reflection of Confucius’s broader philosophical concerns with ethical governance and personal integrity.