CHAPTER III.
The disciples of Tsze-hsia asked Tsze-chang about
the principles that should characterize mutual intercourse. Tsze-chang asked,
'What does Tsze-hsia say on the subject?' They replied, 'Tsze-hsia says:
"Associate with those who can advantage you. Put away from you those who cannot
do so."' Tsze-chang observed, 'This is different from what I have learned. The
superior man honours the talented and virtuous, and bears with all. He praises
the good, and pities the incompetent. Am I possessed of great talents and
virtue?--who is there among men whom I will not bear with? Am I devoid of
talents and virtue?--men will put me away from them. What have we to do with
the putting away of others?'
Published
by The Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities, © Copyright 2003
by Anne Kinney and the University of Virginia