YOU DON'T WANT TO GO THERE, BUDDY

20.  Tzu-kung asked, ‘What must a man be like in order that he may be called a true knight (of the Way)?  

The Master said, he who

In furtherance of his own interests
Is held back by scruples
Who as an envoy to far lands
Does not disgrace 
His prince’s commission

may be called a true knight.

Tzu-kung said, May I venture to ask who would rank next?  The Master said, He whom his relatives commend for filial piety, his fellow-villagers, for deference to his elders.  Tzu- kung said, May I venture to ask who would rank next?  The Master said, He who stands by his word, who undertakes nothing that he does not bring to achievement.   Such a one may be in the humblest possible circumstances, but the same we must give him the next place.

 

Tzu-kung said, What would you say of those who are now conducting the government?  The Master said, Ugh!  A set of peck measures, not worth taking into account.

Smiths: Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before (Link)


Ambrogio Lorenzetti:  Scenes from Allegory of Good and Bad Government, fresco, 1338-40, Palazzo Pubblico, Siena