Humble Heroes: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Integrity
6-15 The Tzu said, “Meng’s reverse (1) does not fell (2), ran (3) and the temple (4), will enter the door, curtseys his horse, said: not dare to rear, the horse does not enter also.”
[Commentary
(1) Meng’s reverse: the name side, Lu state doctor.
(2) Va: boast.
(3) run: defeated.
(4) Temple: temple, at the end of the army as a cover.
[Translation
Confucius said, “Meng Zhi Xiang does not like to boast of himself. When he was defeated, he stayed at the end to cover the whole army. When he was about to enter the city gate, he whipped his horse and said, ‘It is not that I dare to be the rear guard, it is that the horse cannot run fast enough.’”
[Commentary
In 484 B.C., the state of Lu fought with the state of Qi. When the right flank of Lu’s army was retreating in defeat, Meng Zhi Anti was at the end to cover the retreating Lu army. Confucius spoke highly of this and proclaimed his doctrine of “not taking credit for one’s own achievements and not shirking responsibility for one’s faults” as one of the virtues of mankind.
In the vast tapestry of Chinese philosophy, the teachings of Confucius hold a significant place. One such teaching revolves around the concept of humility and integrity, vividly illustrated through a story about a figure named Meng Zhi Fan. This story, set in the context of ancient battles, provides timeless lessons that resonate even in our modern world.
The Story of Meng Zhi Fan
Meng Zhi Fan, a dignified and humble officer of the State of Lu, is celebrated not for his victories, but for his modesty and integrity. During a retreat in a battle against the State of Qi, Meng Zhi Fan stayed at the rear to protect the retreating troops. As he approached the city gates, he spurred his horse and proclaimed, “I am not staying behind out of bravery; my horse is simply slow.” This statement exemplified his reluctance to boast about his bravery, highlighting his sincere humility.
The Historical Context
This event occurred in 484 BCE during a conflict between the states of Lu and Qi. The right flank of Lu’s army was in retreat, and Meng Zhi Fan’s actions ensured the safety of his comrades. Confucius, upon hearing this, praised Meng Zhi Fan’s behavior, using it to illustrate the principle that one should not claim sole credit for achievements nor shirk responsibility for failures. This principle, “功不独居，过不推诿” (gōng bù dú jū, guò bù tuī wěi), translates to “not claiming credit alone and not shirking blame,” and is considered a virtue.
Lessons for Today
The story of Meng Zhi Fan teaches us the importance of humility and integrity in our actions. In today’s fast-paced and often self-promotional world, these virtues can seem old-fashioned or even counterproductive. However, the wisdom of Confucius reminds us that true leadership and respect come from recognizing the contributions of others and being honest about our limitations.
Humility in Leadership: Modern leaders can learn from Meng Zhi Fan by acknowledging the team’s efforts rather than seeking individual glory. This approach not only builds trust but also fosters a collaborative and supportive environment.
Integrity in Action: Just as Meng Zhi Fan did not seek to embellish his bravery, individuals today should strive for honesty in their actions and communications. This builds credibility and respect, essential qualities in both personal and professional relationships.
Courage and Responsibility: Meng Zhi Fan’s actions underline the importance of courage and responsibility. Staying behind to protect others, despite the risk, showcases a deep sense of duty and commitment. In contemporary terms, this translates to standing by our principles and supporting those who depend on us, even in challenging situations.