Why Smart People Love Water and Good People Love Mountains: Lessons from Confucius
6-23 The Tzu said, “The knower enjoys the water, the benevolent enjoys the mountains(1); the knower moves, the benevolent is quiet; the knower is happy, the benevolent lives.”
[Commentary
(1) He who knows enjoys the water, and he who is kind enjoys the mountains: “Knowing” means zhì, which is the same as “wisdom”; and “enjoying” means yào, which means to love.
[Translation
Confucius said, “The wise man loves water, the benevolent man loves mountains; the wise man is active, the benevolent man is quiet. The wise are happy, and those with benevolence live long.”
[Commentary
The “wise men” and “benevolent men” mentioned by Confucius here are not ordinary people, but those cultivated “gentlemen”. He hoped that people could be “wise” and “benevolent”, and with these virtues, they could adapt to the requirements of the society at that time.
Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher, has left us with many profound insights into human nature and personal development. One of his most intriguing statements comes from a quote found in the Analects of Confucius: “The wise love water, and the virtuous love mountains; the wise are active, and the virtuous are serene; the wise enjoy life, and the virtuous live long.”
To fully appreciate this wisdom, it’s important to understand what Confucius meant by “the wise” and “the virtuous.” In this context, these terms refer to people who embody refined qualities of character. “The wise” (智者) are those who possess insight and intelligence, while “the virtuous” (仁者) are individuals who cultivate moral integrity and benevolence.
Love for Water and Mountains
Confucius starts by contrasting the preferences of the wise and the virtuous. He suggests that the wise are drawn to water, while the virtuous have a fondness for mountains. This preference is more than just a matter of personal taste—it reflects deeper philosophical ideas.
Water, with its ability to adapt and flow, symbolizes flexibility and change. The wise person, who values knowledge and adaptability, finds joy in the dynamic nature of water. They are often engaged in constant movement and learning, which mirrors the ever-changing quality of water. This active lifestyle keeps them intellectually stimulated and content.
On the other hand, mountains represent stability and permanence. The virtuous person, who cherishes moral principles and inner peace, finds solace in the steadfast nature of mountains. Their calm demeanor and steady values are akin to the solid and enduring presence of a mountain. This sense of inner tranquility contributes to their longer, more fulfilled lives.
Activity versus Serenity
Confucius also highlights a difference in behavior between the wise and the virtuous. The wise are described as active and dynamic, reflecting their continuous quest for knowledge and understanding. This activity is not just physical but intellectual and emotional, as they constantly seek to expand their horizons.
In contrast, the virtuous person is characterized by serenity. This does not mean they are inactive but that they approach life with a calm and composed attitude. Their serenity comes from their strong moral foundation and the satisfaction they derive from living a virtuous life. This inner peace contributes to their longevity and overall well-being.
Joy and Longevity
Finally, Confucius connects the attributes of wisdom and virtue to joy and longevity. The wise person, with their active engagement in life and learning, experiences joy and satisfaction. Their dynamic nature keeps them engaged and motivated, leading to a fulfilling and joyful existence.
The virtuous person, with their serene and stable lifestyle, often enjoys a longer life. Their calm approach to life, coupled with their moral integrity, contributes to their well-being and longevity. The virtues of patience, kindness, and a steady demeanor foster a life of contentment and health.
Confucius’ insights into the nature of wisdom and virtue offer valuable lessons for modern life. By understanding the deeper meanings behind the preferences for water and mountains, we gain a richer perspective on how to balance activity with serenity. Embracing the qualities of both wisdom and virtue can lead to a more joyful and fulfilling life, just as Confucius observed thousands of years ago.