曰骥不称其力称其德也
The Master said, “One does not praise a thoroughbred horse for its physical strength, but rather for its character.”
Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.
he Master said, The famous horse Qi was praised not for his strength but for his virtue.
Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.
子不语怪力乱神
The Master did not discuss prodigies, feats of strength, disorderly conduct, or the supernatural.
Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.
Subjects the Master did not discuss: strange occurrences, feats of strength, rebellion, the gods.
Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.
子夏曰贤贤易色事父母能竭其力事君能致其身与朋友交言而有信虽曰未学吾必谓之学矣
Zixia said, “Imagine someone who recognizes and admires worthiness and therefore changes his lustful nature, who is able to fully exhaust his strength in serving his parents and extend himself to the utmost in serving his lord, and who is trustworthy in speech when interacting with friends and associates. Even if you said of such a person ‘Oh, but he is not learned,’ I would still insist that it is precisely such qualities that make on worthy of being called ‘learned.'”
Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.
Zixia said, If he treats worthy persons as worthy and is respectful to them, does all in his power to serve his father and mother, gives his best in the service of the ruler, and in dealings with friends is faithful to his word, though some may say he lacks learning, I would surely call him learned!
Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.
