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A Dedication to Classics Scholarship 41

called benevolence.” Fan Chi asked about benevolence. The Master said, “It is to
love all men.” (He et al., 2000, p. 101)

4.1.2 Zi Gong’s Inquiry About “Benevolence”

Zi Gong (子贡 ca. 520 B.C.E.–ca. 456 B.C.E.) said, “If therewereamanwho gave
extensively to the common people and brought help to the multitude, what
would you think of him? Could he be called benevolent?” The Master said, “It
is no longer a matter of benevolence with such a man. If you must describe
him, ‘sage’ is, perhaps, the right word. Even Yao and Shun would have found it
difficult to accomplish as much. Now, on the other hand, a benevolent man
helps others to take their stand in that he himself wishes to take his stand and
gets others there in that he himself wishes to get there. The ability to take as
analogy what is near at hand can be called the method of benevolence.”
(Confucius, 2008, pp. 101–103)

4.1.3 Zhong Gong’s Inquiry About “Benevolence”

Zhong Gong (仲弓 522 B.C.E.–?) asked about benevolence. The Master said, “When
abroad behave as though you were receiving an important guest. When employing
the services of the common people behave as though you were officiating at an
important sacrifice. Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire. In
this way you will be free from ill will whether in a state or in a noble family,” Zhong
Gong said, “Though I am not quick, I shall direct my efforts towards what you have
said.” (Confucius, 2008, pp. 203–204)

4.1.4 Yan Yuan’s Inquiry About “Benevolence”

Yan Yuan (颜渊 521 B.C.E.–481 B.C.E.) asked about benevolence. The Master said,
“A benevolent man will control himself in conformity with the rules of propriety.
Once every man can control himself in conformity with the rules of propriety, the
world will be in good order. Benevolence depends on oneself, not on others.” Yan
Yuan asked about the details. The Master said, “Do not look at anything nor listen
to anything nor speak of anything nor do anything against the rules of propriety”
(Xu, 2005, p. 56).
In his replies, Confucius rarely gave an explicitly defining answer to the term
ren, for which philosophers of Western rationalism often desire. Confucius chose