CONFUCIUS' ESTIMATE OF OTHERS
The Master said: I may talk all day to Hui without his putting in a word of criticism or dissent—just as though he were deficient in understanding. But after he has left me, I find, on examining his private conduct, that he knows for all that how to exemplify my teaching. No! Hui is not deficient in understanding.
Tzǔ Kung asked, saying: What, Sir, is your opinion of me?—I would liken you, Tz'ǔ, replied the Master,—to a vessel limited in its function.—What sort of vessel? asked Tzǔ Kung.—A richly ornamented sacrificial vessel, was the reply.[1]
Some one remarked that Yung had goodness of heart but no cleverness of speech.—The Master said: Of what use is cleverness of speech? Those
- ↑ It is said elsewhere in the Analects (see p. 94) that "the higher type of man is unlike a vessel designed for some special use," which means that his moral capacity is not narrow and limited. Tzǔ Kung, then, it seems, had not fully grasped the higher principles of morality, was wanting in breadth of mind and the larger outlook on life. His aptitudes, however, were excellent so far as they went, and the Master compliments him here on his proficiency in things relating to religious ceremonial.
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