Why Confucius Declined to Meet Yang Huo: Lessons in Virtue and Timing
Yang Hu (1) wanted to see Confucius, but Confucius did not see him. He returned a pig (2) to Confucius. When Confucius was about to die (3), he went to pay his respects to him and met him on the road (4). He said to Confucius, “Come! I want to talk to you.” Confucius said, “Can you be called benevolent when you keep your treasures and lose your country (5)? ‘He said, ’No.” “Can you be called wise when you are always busy and never seize the right time (6)? ‘He said, ’No.” “The sun and the moon are passing, and the year is not with me (7).” Confucius said, ‘Yes, I will go into government.’
[Notes] (1) Yang Hu: also known as Yang Hu, a vassal of the Ji family. (2) Return to Confucius: Return, pronounced kui, means to give. Tun, pronounced tun, means piglet. He gave Confucius a cooked piglet. (3) When he was gone: When he was out. (4) Met him on the road: Tu, the same as ‘tu,’ means road. (5) Mi qi bang: to allow the country to be in chaos. (6) Ji: repeatedly. (7) Yu: together, meaning to wait.
[Translation] Yang Hu wanted to meet Confucius, but Confucius did not see him. He gave Confucius a cooked piglet, hoping that Confucius would go to see him. Confucius learned that Yang Hu was not at home, so he went to Yang Hu’s house to thank him, but he met him on the way. Yang Hu said to Confucius, “Come, I have something to tell you.” (Confucius walked over.) Yang said, “Can one be called benevolent when one hides one’s talents and lets the country be in chaos?” (Confucius replied) and said, “No.” (Yang) said, “Can one be called wise when one likes to participate in politics and repeatedly misses the opportunity?” (Confucius replied) and said, “No.” (Yang) said, “Time passes day by day, and age does not wait for anyone.” Confucius said, “Well, I am going to become an official.”
The encounter between Confucius and Yang Huo provides a fascinating glimpse into the principles of virtue and timing in ancient Chinese thought. This brief yet insightful episode reveals how Confucius’s actions and responses reflect his philosophical views on leadership and personal integrity.
The Context of the Meeting
Yang Huo, a minister of the Ji family, wished to meet Confucius. When Confucius declined the invitation, Yang Huo sent him a gift of a roasted piglet as a gesture to persuade him to come. Despite this, Confucius, finding out that Yang Huo was away, visited his residence to show his gratitude. On the way, Confucius encountered Yang Huo, who was on the road.
Yang Huo’s Inquiry
Upon meeting Confucius, Yang Huo addressed him with a series of probing questions:
On Hidden Talents and National Disorder: Yang Huo asked, “Is it considered virtuous to hide one’s abilities while allowing the country to fall into disorder?” Confucius replied, “No, it is not.” This question highlights Yang Huo’s concern with the idea of inaction or passivity in the face of a nation’s problems. Confucius’s response reflects his belief that true virtue involves actively addressing and correcting societal issues rather than remaining passive.
On Engagement and Missed Opportunities: Yang Huo then inquired, “Is it wise to be eager to participate in political affairs yet repeatedly miss the right timing?” Confucius again answered, “No, it is not.” This question emphasizes the importance of seizing the right moments for action and the wisdom in knowing when to act. Confucius’s answer underscores the value he placed on both readiness and the appropriate timing in leadership.
On the Passage of Time: Finally, Yang Huo remarked, “Time is passing by, and years do not wait for anyone.” This statement reflects a recognition of the inevitable passage of time and the urgency of making the most of it.
Confucius’s Response
Confucius’s response to Yang Huo’s final comment was succinct: “Alright, I will now pursue a public office.” This decision indicates that Confucius was convinced by the questions posed by Yang Huo and was prompted to act upon them. The conversation had influenced him to take on a more active role in governance, aligning with his philosophical principles.
Lessons from the Encounter
Virtue and Action: Confucius’s refusal to accept Yang Huo’s gift until his questions were addressed reflects his commitment to virtue and integrity. His answers suggest that virtue involves not just personal ethics but also active engagement in correcting and improving societal conditions.
The Importance of Timing: Yang Huo’s questions about timing highlight a critical aspect of leadership—being both prepared and timely in one’s actions. Confucius’s acknowledgment of the need to act reflects his understanding of the strategic importance of timing in leadership.
Urgency of Action: The reminder that time is fleeting serves as a powerful motivator. Confucius’s decision to take up a public office underscores the urgency of making impactful contributions while time remains.