Book 15
15.1
Duke Ling of Wei questioned Confucius about battlefield formations. Confucius replied, "When it comes to matters of sacrificial vessels, I have some learning. I have never studied military affairs."
The next day he departed.
15.2
In Chen, the supplies of food were exhausted, and the followers fell so ill that none could rise from bed. Zilu appeared before the Master with a bitter expression. "May even a junzi fall to the depths of poverty." The Master said, "The junzi holds steadfast through poverty. When the small man falls into poverty, he will do anything."
15.3
The Master said, "Si! Do you take me for one who studies a great deal and remembers it?"
Zigong replied, "Yes. Is it not so?"
"It is not. I link all on a single thread."
15.4
The Master said, "Yóu, there are few who recognize virtue."
15.5
The Master said, He did nothing and all was well ordered - this would describe Shun, would it not? What did he do? He simply composed himself with reverence and sat facing due south.
15.6
Zizhang asked about effective action. The Master said, "If your words are loyal and trustworthy and your conduct sincere and respectful, though you be in distant barbarian states, you will be effective. If your words are not loyal and trustworthy and your conduct not sincere and respectful, though you be in your own neighborhood or district, can you be effective? When you stand, let these thoughts appear before you; when you ride in your carriage, let them appear, leaning on the carriage bar beside you."
Zizhang inscribed these words on his sash.
15.7
The Master said, How straight Shi Yu is. When the dao prevails in the state, he is like an arrow; when the dao does not prevail, he is like an arrow. A junzi!
With Qu Boyu, when the dao prevails in the state, he serves; when the dao does not prevail, he can roll it into a ball and hide it by his heart
15.8
The Master said, To fail to speak with someone whom it is worthwhile to speak with is to waste that person. To speak with someone whom it is not worthwhile to speak with is to waste words. The wise man wastes neither people nor words.
15.9
The Master said, The gentleman who is resolute and ren does not seek to live on at the expense of ren, and there are times when he will sacrifice his life to complete ren.
15.10
Zigong asked about ren. The Master said, "The craftsman who wishes to do his work well must first sharpen his tools. When you dwell in a state, serve those of its grandees who are worthy men, befriend those of its gentlemen who are ren."