Analects 17.5

Original Text:

公山弗扰以费畔召子欲往子路不说曰末之也已何必公山氏之之也子曰夫召我者而岂徒哉如有用我者吾其为东周乎

Translation:

Other Translations:

Gongshan Furao used the stronghold of Bi to stage a revolt against the Ji Family. He summoned Confucius, and the Master was inclined to go.

Zilu was displeased, and said, “We have nowhere else to go, that is true. But why must we go to the house of Gongshan?”

The Master replied, “I have been summoned—how could it be for naught? If I found someone to employ me, could I not establish a new Zhou in the East?”

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

Gongshan Furao headed a rebellion in the region of Bi and invited Confucius to join him. The Master wanted to go, but Zilu, displeased, said, Don’t go, and that will end the matter. What need is there to join someone like Gongshan?

The Master said, He has invited me—how could it be a complete waste? If someone would only make use of me, I could create a Zhou of the east!

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