University · Moderate

Chapter 22 Righteousness
[Original text]

The Master said: "It is possible for all countries in the world to be equal ①, it is possible to relinquish honors and privileges ②, it is possible to walk with a bare sword ③, and it is impossible to be moderate ④."

【Note】

① All countries in the world can be equal: Tianxia refers to the vassal states under the rule of Zhou Tianzi in the ancient Western Zhou Dynasty.Country, country, refers to the vassal state entrusted by Zhou Tianzi.Home: Refers to the territory of the princes and officials enfeoffed by the princes.Both, Pingzhi.That is, governing justice.

② Jue Lu can resign: Jue (jué), title.According to "Book of Rites King System": "The king's system is Lu Jue, Duke, Hou, Bo, Zi, Male, and five grades." Lu, the salary of ancient officials.resign, resign, resign, give up.

③ White blade can dance: white blade, sharp blade, quick knife.Dance (dǎo), step on.

④ The golden mean is impossible: This sentence means that the golden mean is the highest moral standard of Confucianism, and it is not easy to achieve the golden mean.Although some people can govern the world, resign their titles, and trample on sharp knives, they cannot practice the golden mean.

【Translation】

Confucius said: "All countries under heaven can be governed justly, official salaries can be denied, and snow-white sharp edges can be trampled on, but the golden mean is difficult to achieve."

[Zhu Xi Tips]

RightChapter 9.

【Translation】

Zhu Xi said that the above paragraph is Chapter 9.

(End of this chapter)