Original Text:
樊迟问知子曰务民之义敬鬼神而远之可谓知矣问仁曰仁者先难而后获可谓仁矣
Translation:
Other Translations:
Fan Chi asked about wisdom.
The Master said, “Working to ensure social harmony among the common people, respecting the ghosts and spirits while keeping them at a distance—this might be called wisdom.”
He then asked about Goodness.
The Master said, “One who is Good sees as his first priority the hardship of self-cultivation, and only after thinks about results or rewards. Yes, this is what we might call Goodness.”
Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.
Fan Chi asked about wisdom. The Master said, Work to lead the people toward what is right. Respect the gods and spirits but keep them at a distance—this can be called wisdom.
When he asked about humaneness, the Master said, Humaneness means tending to difficulties first and leaving benefits for later—this can be called humaneness.
Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.