Translation setting:
[None] [English]Pre-Qin and Han ->
Confucianism ->
Zhong Jing -> Chapter on Distinguishing Loyalty
| | 辨忠章: |
大哉，忠之為用也。施之於邇，則可以保家邦。施之於遠，則可以極天地。故明王為國，必先辨忠。君子之言，忠而不佞。小人之言，佞而似忠而非，聞之者鮮不惑矣。夫忠而能仁，則國德彰。忠而能知，則國政舉。忠而能勇，則國難清。故雖有其能，必由忠而成也。仁而不忠，則私其恩。知而不忠，則文其詐。勇而不忠，則易其亂。是雖有其能，以不忠而敗也。此三者不可不辨也。《書》云：「旌別淑忒。」其是謂乎！ |
| | How great is the function of loyalty! Using loyalty to teach, there is nothing greater than this. Applying it to nearby matters, one can thereby safeguard the family and state. And thus establish a boundary or domain. Applying it to distant matters, one can thereby reach the utmost of heaven and earth. And thus there is no limit or end. Therefore, a wise ruler governing the state must first distinguish loyalty. For governing the state relies upon it; loyal subjects uphold ministerial integrity. If one does not first discern loyalty, to whom can the state be entrusted? The words of a gentleman are loyal yet not flatterers. The words of small men are flattering and appear to be loyalty but are not; those who hear them rarely remain unconfused. Loyal words may contradict one's inclinations, so they must be sought through the Way. Flattering words follow one's desires and must necessarily stem from what is not in accordance with the Way. When loyalty combines with benevolence, then the virtue of the state becomes evident. The ruler shows affection and care. When loyalty combines with wisdom, then the administration of the state is well managed. 용 When loyalty combines with bravery, then national hardships are eliminated. To plan loyalty for the ruler, to act resolutely on behalf of the ruler. Therefore, even with one's abilities, success must come through loyalty. Loyalty combined with ability results in achievement and merit. Benevolence without loyalty leads to private favoritism. The more benevolent one is, the deeper their kindness becomes. Wisdom without loyalty leads to disguising deceit with eloquence. The more knowledge one has, the more intricate their deceptions become. Bravery without loyalty easily leads to disorder. The more bravery one has, the easier it is for them to cause chaos. Thus, even with ability, failure results from lack of loyalty. Ability without loyalty leads to failure. These three matters cannot be left undistinguished. The Book of Documents says: "Display distinctions between the virtuous and the wicked." Is this not precisely what is meant! Once good and evil are clearly distinguished, appointments will be free from error.
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