Chinese and Arabian Literature - E. Wilson - The Search For Mecca

—
BOOK XIX
Teachings of Various Chief Disciples
*' T"^ HE learned official," said Tsz-chang, " who when he
I
sees danger ahead will risk his very life, who when
he sees a chance of success is mindful of what is just
and proper, who in his religious acts is mindful of the duty of
reverence, and when in mourning thinks of his loss, is indeed a
fit and proper person for his place."
Again he said, " If a person hold to virtue but never advance
in it, and if he have faith in right principles and do not build
himself up in them, how can he be regarded either as having
such, or as being without them ? "
Tsz-hia's disciples asked Tsz-chang his views about intercourse
with others. " What says your Master? " he rejoined.
" He says," they replied, " ' Associate with those who are quali-
fied, and repel from you such as are not.' " Tsz-chang then
said, " That is different from what I have learnt. A superior
man esteems the worthy and wise, and bears with all. He
makes much of the good and capable, and pities the incapable.
Am I eminently worthy and wise ?—who is there then among
men whom I will not bear with ? Am I not worthy and wise ?
others will be minded to repel me :
repelling them."
Sayings of Tsz-hia
I have nothing to do with
:
" Even in inferior pursuits there must be something worthy
of contemplation, but if carried to an extreme there is danger
of fanaticism ; hence the superior man does not engage in
them.
" The student who daily recognizes how much he yet lacks,
and as the months pass forgets not what he has succeeded in
learning, may undoubtedly be called a lover of learning.
" Wide research and steadfast purpose, eager questioning
and close reflection—all this tends to humanize a man.
88
—