Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, devoted his life to the spread of learning and morality, and his ideas had a far-reaching influence that has been passed down through the ages. However, what is less known is that in Confucius's later years, his life was not only serious and solemn, but also full of many interesting things, which makes people sigh at the truth and multifaceted nature of this great thinker.
In Confucius's later years, he returned to his hometown of Lu and lived a relatively peaceful life. Although he is old, his spirit is still strong, and his pursuit of knowledge has never stopped. He often gets together with ** people to discuss knowledge and share experiences. Some of these ** people have become famous, and some are still on the way to study, but they are all attracted by the wisdom and personality charm of Confucius and are willing to follow his side.
One day, one of Confucius's ** asked him a question: "Sir, how do you say a gentleman should behave in the world?" Confucius replied with a smile: "The gentleman is harmonious but different, and the villain is the same but not harmonious." After hearing this, he nodded thoughtfully, but still had some doubts in his heart. So, he tentatively asked, "Sir, can you give me an example?" ”
Confucius thought for a moment and said, "Okay, I'll tell you a story." Once, I was on a trip with a few friends and came across an orchard on the way. Everyone wanted to eat the fruit, but the owner of the orchard was not there. Then a friend of mine suggested, 'Let's pick fruit and eat it together.' When I heard this, I felt that this was not appropriate, so I expressed my opinion tactfully. As a result, my friends did not give up the idea of picking fruit because of my opposition, but felt that I was a misfit. Later, the owner of the orchard came back and, knowing what had happened, praised my behavior and invited me to his house. And those friends who picked the fruit and ate it were rebuked by the owner. This is the principle of gentlemen's harmony and difference. ”
* After listening to this story, it suddenly dawned on me, and my admiration for Confucius deepened.
Another time, Confucius's ** Zilu came to ask for advice. Zilu has a straightforward personality, and sometimes he doesn't care much about the occasion when he speaks, which often makes people feel embarrassed. On this day, he asked Confucius, "Sir, what do you say people should do with their own shortcomings?" Confucius replied with a smile: "Knowing is knowing, not knowing is not knowing, and knowing is also knowing." After hearing this, Zilu felt that these words seemed very simple, but they also seemed very profound. He couldn't help frowning and thinking about it, unable to figure out the mystery.
Seeing this, Confucius added: "Zilu, do you know your character? You are straightforward and honest, which is your strength, but sometimes you can offend people by being too straightforward. That's your downside. We must be self-aware of our own shortcomings, have the courage to admit them and work hard to correct them. Only in this way can we become better people. ”
After listening to Confucius's teachings, Zilu suddenly realized that he was inadequate. He bowed to Confucius and thanked him, saying that he would work hard to correct his shortcomings and keep improving.
In addition to interacting with them, Confucius often communicated with the local people in his later years to understand their lives and needs. He cares about people's livelihood and actively provides advice to the people to help them solve their difficulties. His benevolence and spirit of praying for the people's lives deeply touched the local people and won their respect and love.
In Confucius's later life, these anecdotes not only show his wisdom and charm as a great thinker, but also show his truth and loveliness as an ordinary person. He interpreted the essence of Confucianism with his words and deeds, and also left us a precious spiritual wealth.
Although the anecdotes of Confucius's later years are scattered between the lines of history books, the wisdom and human touch contained in them are timeless. These stories not only give us a better understanding of what this great thinker really looked like, but also allow us to draw wisdom and strength from them. In the fast-paced and high-pressure modern life, we might as well slow down and savor these ancient anecdotes, perhaps we can find spiritual solace and motivation to move forward.
Although Confucius's life in his later years was peaceful and simple, he used his wisdom and benevolence to leave endless wealth for future generations. His story tells us that no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, we should maintain a humble, self-aware and loving heart, and constantly pursue intellectual and moral improvement. Only in this way can we truly become a person who contributes to society.