Qualities of a Sage: Selections from the Taoist “Book of Lieh-Tzu,” Part 1 of 2

Today, we are pleased to present passages from Book 4: Confucius in the ‘Book of Lieh-Tzu,’ written by the Venerated Enlightened Master Lieh Tzu (vegetarian), and translated by Lionel Giles, which discusses the qualities which make a person a sage.

BOOK 4 Confucius

“A high official from Shang paid a visit to Confucius. ‘You are a sage, are you not?’ he inquired. ‘A sage!’ replied Confucius. ‘How could I venture to think so? I am only a man with a wide range of learning and information.’ The Minister then asked: ‘Were the Three Kings sages?’ ‘The Three Kings,’ replied Confucius, ‘Were great in the exercise of wisdom and courage. I do not know, however, that they were sages.’ ‘What of the Five Emperors? Were they not sages?’ [asked the Minister.] ‘The Five Emperors excelled in the exercise of altruism and righteousness. I do not know that they were sages.’ [replied Confucius.] ‘And the Three Sovereigns: surely they were sages?’ [asked the Minister.] ‘The Three Sovereigns excelled in the virtues that were suited to their age. But whether they were sages or not, I really cannot say.’ [replied Confucius.] The wide learning of Confucius, the warlike prowess of T’ang and Wu, the humility and self-abnegation of Yao, and Shun, the rude simplicity of Fu Hsi and Shên Nung, simply represent the ordinary activities of the sage who accommodates himself to the necessities of the world he lives in. They are not the qualities which make them sages. Those qualities are truly such as neither word nor deed can adequately express.’

‘Why, who is there, then?’ cried the Minister, much astonished, ‘That is really a sage?’ The expression of Confucius’ countenance changed, and He replied after a pause: ‘Among the people of the West a true sage dwells. He governs not, yet there is no disorder. He speaks not, yet he is naturally trusted. He makes no reforms, yet right conduct is spontaneous and universal. […]’”