Zengzi and Zisi in Times of Danger

Contents

Text

English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Zengzi lived in Wucheng when Yue raiders invaded. Someone said, “The raiders are coming. Why not leave?” Zengzi replied, “Do not lodge anyone in my house, and do not damage my trees and firewood.” After the raiders withdrew, he said, “Repair my walls and house; I am going back.” Once they had left, Zengzi returned.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Those around him said, “The people here treat you with such loyalty and respect. When the raiders came, you left first and became an example for the people; now that they have gone, you return. Surely that is inappropriate.” Shen Youxing said, “This is beyond your understanding. Once, Shen You’s household faced a disturbance led by a raider named Fuchu; none of the Master’s seventy followers took part in or became involved in it.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

Zisi lived in Wei when Qi invaded. Someone said, “The raiders are coming. Why not leave?” Zisi replied, “If I, Ji, were to leave, who would be here to help you keep watch?”

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius said, “Zengzi and Zisi followed the same Way. Zengzi was a teacher and an elder; Zisi was a minister of lesser rank. If they exchanged positions, each would have acted as the other did.”

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