Countenance

Analects 16.6

Leave a Comment / Analects, Analects - Book Sixteen

Original Text:

孔子曰侍于君子有三愆言未及之而言谓之躁言及之而不言谓之隐未见颜色而言谓之瞽

Translation:

Other Translations:

Confucius said, “When attending a gentleman, there are three types of errors one may commit. To speak when it is not yet time to speak—this is called being rash. To not speak when it is time to speak—this is called being secretive. To speak without taking into account the countenance of one’s lord—this is called being blind.”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

Confucius said, In one’s relations with a gentleman, there are three errors to avoid. To speak of something before the time is right—this is called boorishness. To fail to speak when it is time to do so—this is called secretiveness. To speak without first observing the face of the person one is addressing—this is called blindness.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.

Analects 8.4

Leave a Comment / Analects, Analects - Book Eight

Original Text:

曾子有疾孟敬子问之曾子言曰鸟之将死其鸣也哀人之将死其言也善君子所贵乎道者三动容貌斯远暴慢矣正颜色斯近信矣出辞气斯远鄙倍矣笾豆之事则有司存

Translation:

Other Translations:

Master Zeng was gravely ill, and Meng Jingzi came to inquire about his health.

Master Zeng said to him, “When a bird is about to die, its call is mournful and touching. When a person is about to die, his words should be heeded. There are three things that are important for a gentleman pursuing the Way: by altering his behavioral demeanor, he avoids violence and arrogance; by rectifying his countenance, he welcomes trustworthiness; and in his choice of words and tone of voice, he avoids vulgarity and impropriety. As for the details of handling sacrificial vessels, there are minor officials to deal with that.”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

When Master Zeng was ill, Meng Jing Zi asked how he was.

Master Zeng spoke these words: When a bird is about to die, its cries are sad. When a man is about to die, his words are good. With regard to the Way, there are three things the gentleman prizes: in his actions and manner, that he be far from harshness or arrogance; in ordering his appearance, that he stick close to trustworthiness; in his utterances, that they be far from crude or unseemly. As for the sacrificial baskets and stands, there are experts to tend to such matters.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.