孔子论儒行(上） The Proper Conduct of a Confucian Scholar
The Proper Conduct of a Confucian Scholar
When Lu Aigong (King of Lu Country, 494 – 468 B.C.) asked Confucius about the code of conduct for a Confucian scholar, Confucius replied: "A Confucian scholar lives a dignified life. He has a respectful manner when sitting or standing, his speech is trustworthy, and his behavior is not devious. He does not take risky short cuts for the sake of convenience. He does not strive for the comforts of life. He treasures life and waits for the opportunity to maximize his potential."
"A Confucian scholar does not regard gold and jade as treasures, but values loyalty and honesty. He does not desire to possess land, but establishes virtue and chivalry as the foundation of his lot. He does not seek to amass material goods, but acquires profound knowledge as wealth. To a Confucian scholar, duty comes first, and the rewards come later, hence it is easy to accommodate and to provide for him. A Confucian scholar does not cooperate on matters that are not upright. This is how a Confucian scholar conducts himself with others. "
"A Confucian scholar will not compromise one's integrity for personal gain. When he encounters intimidation from the masses or threats from the military force, he holds on to his moral principles until death. A Confucian scholar does not make the wrong remarks twice, and he does not investigate rumors. He always maintains a dignified demeanor and appearance, and makes quick decisions when things need to be done. This is the way a Confucian scholar uniquely establishes himself in the world."
"Loyalty and honesty are his helmets; etiquette and justice are his shields; benevolence and righteousness are the measurement of his conduct in life. Even tyrannical politics will not change his integrity. This is how a Confucian scholar conducts himself in society."
"If a senior official accepts his suggestion, then he firmly believes in it, and fully devotes himself. However, if the senior official does not adopt his idea, he does not use flattery or try hard to please him. This is the way a Confucian scholar handles politics."
"A Confucian scholar has extensive knowledge but continues to study diligently, and possesses sincerity and honesty but constantly improves his moral character. He does not indulge himself when he is not successful, and follows the righteous path even when his government career is smooth. He acts according to the etiquettes that are based on harmony and peace. He considers loyalty and honesty as virtues, and tolerance and mercifulness as the law. He admires the virtuous and accepts everyone. This is the tolerant characteristic of a Confucian scholar."
"Upon hearing helpful speeches, a Confucian scholar will tell everyone, and when he sees beneficial things, he will point them out. When a title of nobility is being offered, he yields to others. When faced with dangers and difficulties, he does not avoid them. When a promotion is being offered, he awaits his friend to be promoted. If the friend lives far away, he tries to invite and to recruit his friend. This is how a Confucian scholar recommends a friend."
"Gentleness and goodness are the roots of benevolence. Respect and prudence are the soil of benevolence. Magnanimity and tolerance are the power of benevolence. Etiquette and civility are the outer appearance of benevolence. Words and speech are the cultural qualities of benevolence. Song and music are the harmony of benevolence. Charity and generosity are the deeds of benevolence. A Confucian scholar possesses all of the above virtues, yet he does not dare to claim that he has reached the level of benevolence. These are the traits of humility and modesty of a Confucian scholar."
"A Confucian scholar does not lose his aspirations when he is poor or destitute, and does not relinquish his integrity when he is wealthy and honored. He does not renounce his moral values when the ruler is condescending and insulting, when the high official is intervening, or when the government official is creating obstacles. Therefore, he is called a Confucian. People nowadays have the wrong views regarding Confucians. They often use the term Confucian scholar to ridicule others."
After hearing Confucius' words, Lu Aigong made sure his words were sincere and honest, and that his behavior was righteous. He added: "I will not dare to joke about the Confucian scholars for the rest of my life."
孔子论儒行
鲁哀公问孔子儒者的行为准则是什么，孔子说：“儒者平时的起居十分庄重严肃，坐立都非常恭敬，讲话有信用，行为不偏邪。走路时不走险路捷径以贪图便利，居住时不争冬暖夏凉的住处。他们珍惜生命，等待时机发挥作用。”
“儒者不把金玉当作宝贝，而以忠信为宝；不求拥有土地，而把树德立义作为安身立命之本；不祈求聚敛财货，而把掌握渊博的知识作为富有。他们以事业为先，报酬为后，是很容易供养的。不是正义的事业儒者就不会合作，儒者与人交往就是这样的。”
“儒者不会见利忘义。面对众人的威胁和武力的恐吓，至死也不会改变操守。儒者对于错话，不说第二次；对于流言，不会追究。时时保持威严的仪表，对于应做的事情能够当机立断。这就是儒者立身的独特之处。”
“儒者以忠信作为盔甲，以礼义作为盾牌，行为处世以仁义为准则。即使遇到暴虐的政治，也不会改变操守，儒者的立身处世就是这样的。”
“长官采纳他的建议，就坚信不疑，竭尽全力；长官不采纳他的建议，也不会巴结谄媚。儒者从政就是这样的。”
“儒者学问广博又勤学不止，品行笃实仍不断提高自己。不得志时不会放纵自己，仕途通达时也遵行正道。奉行以和为贵的礼仪，并以忠信为美德，以宽厚为法度。仰慕众贤而又容纳众人。儒者的宽容就是这样的。”
“儒者听到有益的话就告诉别人，见到有益的事就把它指明。有爵位，互相谦让；有危难，也不逃避；自己升迁时，等著和朋友一起升迁；朋友在远方，就设法把他招来。儒者推荐朋友就是这样的。”
“温和善良是仁的根本，恭敬谨慎是仁的土壤，宽大包容是仁的能力。礼节是仁的外表，言谈是仁的文质，歌乐是仁的谐和，捐献钱财是仁的施行。儒者兼有以上的美德，仍然不敢说自己达到了仁的境界。儒者的恭敬谦让就是这样的。”
“儒者不因贫贱而丧失志向，不因富贵而失掉节操，不因君王困辱、卿大夫干涉、官吏刁难而背弃道德，所以叫作儒。现在的人对儒的看法是错误的，常常用儒者来讥讽别人。”
鲁哀公听了孔子讲的这番话，从此，哀公的言语讲究信用，行为合乎道义，并说：“我这一生，再也不敢拿儒者开玩笑了。”