Gems of Chinese Literature/Wang Su-Jade
Adisciple asked Confucius, saying, “Why, sir, does the superior man value jade much more highly than serpentine? Is it because jade is scarce and serpentine is abundant?” “It is not,” replied Confucius; “but it is because the superior men of olden days regarded it as a symbol of the virtues. Its gentle, smooth, glossy appearance suggests charity of heart; its fine close texture and hardness suggest wisdom; it is firm and yet does not wound, suggesting duty to one’s neighbour; it hangs down as though sinking, suggesting ceremony; struck, it gives a clear note, long drawn out, dying gradually away and suggesting music; its flaws do not hide its excellences, nor do its excellences hide its flaws, suggesting loyalty; it gains our confidence, suggesting truth; its spirituality is like the bright rainbow, suggesting the heavens above; its energy is manifested in hill and stream, suggesting the earth below; as articles of regalia it suggests the exemplification of that than which there is nothing in the world of equal value, and thereby is―TAO itself. We read in the Odes―
When I think of my husband,[1]
As gentle as jade,
In his hutment of planking,
My heart is afraid...
- ↑ Away at the war.