Die

Analects 15.35

Leave a Comment / Analects, Analects - Book Fifteen

Original Text:

子曰民之于仁也甚于水火水火吾见蹈而死者矣未见蹈仁而死者也

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “Goodness is even more vital to the common people than water or fire. I have seen people perish from walking through fire and water, but have never seen anyone perish by walking the path of Goodness.”

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

The Master said, Humaneness is more vital to the people than water or fire. I have seen people die from treading on water or fire, but I have never seen the person who died from treading the path of humaneness.

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

Analects 14.43

Leave a Comment / Analects, Analects - Book Fourteen

Original Text:

原壤夷俟子曰幼而不孙弟长而无述焉老而不死是为贼以杖叩其胫

Translation:

Other Translations:

Yuan Rang sat casually, with his legs sprawled out, waiting for Confucius.

On seeing him, the Master remarked, “A young man devoid of humility and respect for his elders will grow into an adult who contributes nothing to his community. Growing older and older without the dignity to pass away, he becomes a burden on society.” He then rapped him on the shin with his staff.

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

Yuan Rang sat waiting for Confucius in a slovenly posture. The Master said, Young but not properly submissive, grown and no one speaks well of you, old and you still don’t die—a real pest!

He rapped on Yuan’s shins with his cane.

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

Analects 11.23

Leave a Comment / Analects, Analects - Book Eleven

Original Text:

子畏于匡颜渊后子曰吾以女为死矣曰子在回何敢死

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master was surrounded in Kuang. Yan Hui had fallen behind, [and when he finally caught up], the Master said, “I thought that you were dead.”

Yan Hui replied, “As long as you are still here, Master, how could I dare to allow myself to die?”

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

When the Master faced danger in Kuang, Yan Yuan was some distance behind. The Master said, I thought you had died!

Yan Yuan said, While the Master is alive, how would I dare to die?

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