Women - Confucian Pages

Other Translations:

The people of Qi sent a gift of female entertainers. Ji Huanzi accepted them [on behalf of the Duke of Lu], and court was not held for several days. Confucius thereupon left the state of Lu.

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

The men of Qi presented Lu with a troupe of women musicians. Ji Huanzi accepted them and for three days failed to appear at court. Confucius left the state.

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

Analects 17.25

Leave a Comment / Analects, Analects - Book Seventeen

Original Text:

子曰唯女子与小人为难养也近之则不孙远之则怨

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “Women and servants are particularly hard to manage: if you are too familiar with them, they grow insolent, but if you are too distant they grow resentful.”
Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

The Master said, Women and petty persons are the hardest to look after. Treat them in a friendly manner, and they become impertinent; keep them at a distance, and they take offense.
Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.