University · Moderate

Chapter 17 Righteousness
[Original text]

The Master said: "If the Tao does not work, I know it. Those who know will surpass it, and the foolish will not be able to catch up. If the Tao is not clear, I will know it. The sages will pass it by, and the unworthy will not be able to catch it. There is no one who does not eat or drink. You can also know the taste."

【Note】

① Tao: refers to the doctrine of the mean.

② Knower: A wise and educated person.Zhi (zhì), the same as "wisdom".

③Unworthy person: The original meaning is a person who does not have good moral character like his ancestors.Here it refers to the unworthy or the humble.portrait.

【Translation】

Confucius said: "The doctrine of the mean cannot be practiced in the world. I know why. A wise man exceeds its norms when he practices it, and a foolish man fails to meet its norms when he practices it. The doctrine of the mean cannot be manifested in the world. I I know the reason. The virtuous people often exceed the norms, and the unworthy people often fail to meet the norms. This is just like no one among people does not eat or drink, but few people can taste the taste of it.”

[Zhu Xi Tips]

RightChapter 4.

【Translation】

Zhu Xi reminded that the above paragraph is Chapter 4.

(End of this chapter)