Tsz-lu then said, "I should like, sir, to hear what your heart is set
upon."

The Master replied, "It is this:--in regard to old people, to give them
quiet and comfort; in regard to friends and associates, to be faithful
to them; in regard to the young, to treat them with fostering affection
and kindness."

On one occasion the Master exclaimed, "Ah, 'tis hopeless! I have not yet
seen the man who can see his errors, so as inwardly to accuse himself."

"In a small cluster of houses there may well be," said he, "some whose
integrity and sincerity may compare with mine; but I yield to none in
point of love of learning."


[Footnote 10: Lit., a State of 1,000 war chariots.]

[Footnote 11: Lit., a House of 100 war chariots.]

[Footnote 12: A great statesman of Confucius's time.]

[Footnote 13: A familiar way of speaking of his disciples in their
hearing.]



BOOK VI

More Characteristics--Wisdom--Philanthropy