His disciples recall that Confucius did not talk about
extraordinary things, feats of strength, disorder, or
spiritual beings. When Tsze-lu asked about serving
the spirits of the dead Confucius responded,
“While you are not able to serve men, how can you
serve their spirits?”
Tsze-lu went on, “May I ask about death?”
He received the answer, “While you do not know life,
how can you know about death?”
Confucius added, “The study of strange doctrines is
injurious indeed!”
Tsze-chang asked Confucius the source of perfect virtue.
Confucius said, “To be able to practice five things everywhere
under heaven constitutes perfect virtue: gravity, generosity
of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness. If you are
grave, you will not be treated with disrespect. If you are
generous, you will win all. If you are sincere, people will
repose trust in you. If you are earnest, you will accomplish much.
If you are kind, this will enable you to employ the services
of others. The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest
are near to virtue.
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