Page 113 - Gan's Family History

111 | P a g e
music of Zheng is lascivious and
cunning men are dangerous.”
(Confucius recommended the Xia
calendar because it was suitable for
agriculture, the Yin carriage because
it was simple, and the ceremonial
dress of Zhou because it was grand.)
Extract Two
28
In the Analects of Confucius
can be found many instances of Yan
Hui (521-490 BC) being praised by
his master, of which the most famous
is: " Yan Hui, a virtuous man, is
contented with simple food and drink
and a shabby place to live in. Others
cannot put up with the poor
conditions, while Yan Hui remains
just as happy. What a virtuous man
he is."
Indeed, Yan Hui was the
favourite disciple of Confucius.
Although it was easy for him to
obtain an official post with his
knowledge and ability, he was willing
28 Extracted from the book “100 Chinese Scholars” Written by Wu
Boheng, Translated by Wang Xuewen & Sui Yun and Published by
Asiapac Books.
to pursue further studies with
Confucius, unconcerned about
poverty and hard work.
Yan Hui, with the courtesy
name Zi Yuan, and also known as
Yan Yuan, was born in the state of
Lu in the late Spring and Autumn
period. He was very diligent, learning
from his teacher not only his
knowledge but also his moral
integrity.
Confucius thought highly of
Yan Hui's constancy in learning. He
said: "Yan Hui always keeps
benevolence in mind while other
students think of benevolence only
from time to time."
Though regarded by Confucius
as his best student, Yan Hui was not
satisfied. What he wanted was
mastery of all of his teacher's ability
and knowledge. Once he sighed with
feeling: "The more I learn from my
teacher, the deeper I find is his
knowledge and the more I admire
him. His learning seems accessible,
yet is so difficult to master. He has
been patiently teaching me to read,
write, and observe the rites, which
make me more eager to learn. Though
I have gone all out in learning, I still
cannot master the profound
knowledge of my teacher."
Confucius took very good care
of Yan Hui and answered all the
questions he asked. When asked how
to run the country, Confucius said:
"One should adopt the calendar of the
Xia Dynasty, sit in a carriage of the
Yin Dynasty, wear the hat of the Zhou