Beijing, January 19 (Reporter Shangguan Yun) "Humble" and "Elegant"... These are some of the impression labels that Confucius left to people.
In fact, Confucius, the founder of the Confucian school, did not just say hello, but also had a very interesting side to his personality. Historian Wang Changhua also talked about related topics in the recently published new edition of Confucius's Answers to Questions.
A few days ago, he said in an exclusive interview with a reporter from China News Network that Confucius knew how to be flexible in handling problems, was also very flexible, would laugh at himself, was not narcissistic, and treated students "without class."
He was also young and vigorous
Judging from the portrait, Confucius was a very kind and extraordinary person, but he also had a time of youth and vigor.
Cover of "Confucius Answers Questions". Can be culturally provided with pictures
Wang Changhua said: In the "History of confucius's family," it is mentioned that when Confucius was 17 years old, Lu Guoji's Sun clan hosted a banquet for scholars, and after Confucius considered himself a scholar, the newborn calves were not afraid of tigers and insisted on attending despite the persuasion of relatives and friends.
As a result, Confucius was directly stopped by Yang Hu, a minister of the Jisun clan, and was "taught a lesson" by reality.
Confucius's upright nature did not change much later. He traveled around the world, and when he arrived in the Song Dynasty, he heard that Sima Huanlu ordered the craftsmen to make a large stone rafter for himself. Due to the arduousness of the project, the craftsman made it for three years and did not finish it, and people talked about it.
Confucius was not accustomed to this matter, so he bluntly criticized Huan Yu's extravagance and waste. Unexpectedly, the curse came out of the mouth, and this sentence reached Huan Lu's ears, and the trouble soon came.
During the Song Dynasty, there was a large tree next to Confucius's residence, and Confucius and his disciples often practiced etiquette under the tree. Huan Lu sent people to cut down this big tree, and the threat was very obvious. Therefore, Confucius and his party had to flee the Song Kingdom overnight.
Interesting personality, self-deprecating
From some small things in life, it can be seen that Confucius's personality actually contains very interesting parts. In the face of those who are disgusted in their hearts but must go to the door to thank them, Confucius will also use sleek "little tricks".
For example, Yang Hu wanted to see Confucius many times, and Confucius was very disgusted with the arrogant Yang Hu and did not want to see him. So Yang Hu took advantage of Confucius's absence and sent someone to give Confucius a small steamed pig.
According to the ceremony, Confucius had to return to visit Yanghu. So he took the plan into account and went to visit Yang Hu when he was out. Unexpectedly, by chance, Confucius and Yang Hu actually met on the way, and the scene was once very embarrassing.
Wang Changhua said that from the existing literature, Confucius also had his own spiritual idol, and he worshipped King Wen of Zhou, King Wu of Zhou, especially the Duke of Zhou. In the Analects of Discourse, it is said, "Even if I am in decline!" Jiu Yiwu no longer dreams of seeing Zhou Gong" is proof of this.
In addition, Confucius, like some young people today, will also laugh at himself.
"Confucius was persecuted by Huan Lu and ran from the Song Kingdom to the Zheng Kingdom in a hurry, which was really an escape!" Therefore, when I arrived at Zheng Guo, I looked very embarrassed and scattered with the students. Wang Changhua said that later, Confucius was described by Zheng Guolu as a "tired dog who lost his family", which is a true description and an image ridicule.
When the student repeated this description of the passerby to Confucius, Confucius laughed: "It is so similar to saying that I live like a bereaved dog!" So much like! "Dare to laugh at yourself, Confucius is not narcissistic at all.
Wax figure of Confucius. Photo by Li Mingrui
There is no class, no eccentricity
It has been said that Confucius also had his own favorite students. In Wang Changhua's view, "I have not been able to do anything without a commandment" (translation: as long as I voluntarily offer more than ten pieces of dried meat as tuition, I have not failed to accept him as a student). Confucius has always been "teaching without class" to students.
Due to the difference in the individual character, qualifications and eagerness of students, it is inevitable that Confucius will have a preference for a certain student. Yan Hui is of high character, very studious, and has the deepest understanding of the teacher's thoughts. Confucius liked this student the most and spoke highly of him.
"The second is Zilu, Zilu is not as good as Yan Hui in his studies, but he is bold and loyal, and Confucius will of course like Zilu." Wang Changhua believes that Confucius attaches importance to his strengths and uses his strengths to students, and he sees people very accurately and fairly, and there is no problem of "eccentric eyes".
In life, with others, Confucius rarely "complained" about friends. The principle of his friendship is "friendship straight, friendly forgiveness, friendly and more smelly", more is the affirmation and praise of friends.
Wang Changhua believes that unconsciously, we are deeply influenced by Confucius and Confucianism. At present, Confucius's ideas of "benevolence", the concept of "virtue", the concept of being a man, dealing with the world, learning for learning, and his personality ideals have all provided excellent examples for people.
"In today's modernization, from the perspective of abstract inheritance, Confucius Thought is still an excellent and beneficial ideological resource of our nation, and we have every reason to critically absorb and learn from it." Wang Changhua said. (End)