Confucius on the Perils of Wealth and Virtue: Why Yao and Zi Gong Differed

The Master said, “Yuan is probably close to perfection, but he is often poor. He does not accept the mission, but he makes a fortune, and he is often right in his guesses.”

[Notes]

(1) Shu: nearly. Here, it refers to Yan Yuan’s learning and morality being close to perfection.

(2) Kong: poverty, lack.

(3) Huozhi: doing business.

(4) Yi: same as “yi,” guess, estimate.

[Translation]

Confucius said, “Yan Hui’s learning and morality are close to perfection, but he is often poor. Duanben did not listen to the arrangement of fate, but went into business and speculated on the market, often guessing correctly.

Commentary

In this chapter, Confucius deeply regretted that Yan Hui’s learning and morality were close to perfection, but he was often poor in life. At the same time, he was dissatisfied that Zi Gong did not listen to the arrangement of fate and went into business to get rich. In Confucius’ view, this was extremely unfair.

Confucius, the revered Chinese philosopher, often reflected on the interplay between virtue and material success. In one of his teachings, he highlights the contrasting fates of two of his disciples, Yan Hui and Zi Gong, shedding light on Confucian views on poverty, wealth, and moral integrity.

The Contrast of Virtue and Poverty

Confucius remarked, “Yan Hui’s virtue was nearly perfect, yet he frequently faced poverty. On the other hand, Zi Gong ignored fate’s course and turned to trade, where he often succeeded.”

This statement underscores Confucius’s complex view of virtue and material wealth. Yan Hui, known for his deep wisdom and moral purity, was often impoverished despite his virtuous life. Confucius acknowledged that Yan Hui’s character was nearly flawless, yet his financial struggles were a poignant contrast to his moral standing.

Zi Gong’s Path to Wealth

In contrast, Zi Gong, another of Confucius’s disciples, chose a different path. Unlike Yan Hui, Zi Gong engaged in trade, a decision that led him to financial success. Confucius noted that Zi Gong often made accurate predictions in his business dealings, suggesting a shrewdness and adaptability in contrast to his fellow disciple’s more static approach to life.

Confucius’s disappointment with Zi Gong’s choice to pursue material success, despite his eventual prosperity, reveals his nuanced perspective on wealth. While he acknowledged Zi Gong’s success, he also seemed to view it as a departure from the ideal of pursuing virtue above all else.

Moral Reflections and Teachings

Confucius’s commentary reflects his belief that true virtue should be pursued irrespective of material conditions. The contrasting fates of Yan Hui and Zi Gong serve as a moral lesson about the complexities of living a virtuous life in a world where material success and moral integrity do not always align.

The story illustrates the Confucian ideal that while wealth is not inherently evil, it should not overshadow the pursuit of virtue. Yan Hui’s perseverance in the face of poverty exemplifies the Confucian ideal of unwavering commitment to moral principles, while Zi Gong’s success in trade highlights the pragmatic aspect of life where adapting to circumstances can also lead to success.