The Analects of Confucius (from the Chinese Classics), Book 14 summary

What happens

1. Confucius distinguishes virtue from boldness, polished speech, comfort, and the restraint of selfish desires.
2. He assesses officials and defends Kwan Chung by pointing to the peace and order his leadership brings.
3. After a ruler’s murder, Confucius requests punishment, but the officials he approaches refuse to act.
4. He urges modest speech, self-improvement, honest opposition to rulers, and justice rather than kindness toward injury.
5. Critics question his persistence in public affairs, while he says Heaven understands him and events depend on what is ordained.
6. He connects self-cultivation with public peace, rebukes Yuan Zang, and criticizes a boy who imitates adult status.

In this book

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