Other observations of the Master:—­

“If you observe what things people (usually) take in hand, watch their motives, and note particularly what it is that gives them satisfaction, shall they be able to conceal from you what they are?  Conceal themselves, indeed!

“Be versed in ancient lore, and familiarize yourself with the modern; then may you become teachers.

“The great man is not a mere receptacle.”

In reply to Tsz-kung respecting the great man:—­

“What he first says, as a result of his experience, he afterwards follows up.

“The great man is catholic-minded, and not one-sided.  The common man is the reverse.

“Learning, without thought, is a snare; thought, without learning, is a danger.

“Where the mind is set much upon heterodox principles—­there truly and indeed is harm.”

To the disciple Tsz-lu the Master said, “Shall I give you a lesson about knowledge?  When you know a thing, maintain that you know it; and when you do not, acknowledge your ignorance.  This is characteristic of knowledge.”

Tsz-chang was studying with an eye to official income.  The Master addressed him thus:  “Of the many things you hear hold aloof from those that are doubtful, and speak guardedly with reference to the rest; your mistakes will then be few.  Also, of the many courses you see adopted, hold aloof from those that are risky, and carefully follow the others; you will then seldom have occasion for regret.  Thus, being seldom mistaken in your utterances, and having few occasions for regret in the line you take, you are on the high road to your preferment.”

To a question put to him by Duke Ngai [2] as to what should be done in order to render the people submissive to authority, Confucius replied, “Promote the straightforward, and reject those whose courses are crooked, and the thing will be effected.  Promote the crooked and reject the straightforward, and the effect will be the reverse.”

When Ki K’ang [3] asked of him how the people could be induced to show respect, loyalty, and willingness to be led, the Master answered, “Let there be grave dignity in him who has the oversight of them, and they will show him respect; let him be seen to be good to his own parents, and kindly in disposition, and they will be loyal to him; let him promote those who have ability, and see to the instruction of those who have it not, and they will be willing to be led.”

Some one, speaking to Confucius, inquired, “Why, sir, are you not an administrator of government?” The Master rejoined, “What says the ’Book of the Annals,’ with reference to filial duty?—­’Make it a point to be dutiful to your parents and amicable with your brethren; the same duties extend to an administrator.’  If these, then, also make an administrator, how am I to take your words about being an administrator?”

On one occasion the Master remarked, “I know not what men are good for, on whose word no reliance can be placed.  How should your carriages, large or little, get along without your whipple-trees or swing-trees?”