Few True Confucians in Lu | 鲁国少儒

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One day, Zhuang Zi visited Ai Gong, the King of Lu.

Ai Gong said, "There are many Confucian scholars in my state, but few study your Taoist doctrines."

Zhuang Zi replied, "That is not the case. In fact, there are very few true Confucian scholars in Lu."

Ai Gong asked, "How can you say that when everyone here wears Confucian robes?"

Zhuang Zi explained, "I have heard that true Confucians with round hats understand astronomy; those with square shoes understand geography; those with colored jade pendants can make decisive judgments. However, those with real knowledge do not necessarily wear the robes, and those who wear the robes do not necessarily possess the knowledge. If you doubt me, issue a decree: 'Anyone wearing Confucian robes without understanding Confucian doctrines shall be put to death.' Then see what happens."

Ai Gong issued the order. Five days later, to his astonishment, no one in the state dared wear Confucian robes except one man standing outside the palace gate. The king summoned him and questioned him on state affairs. The man answered fluently and with clear logic.

Zhuang Zi concluded, "Lu is the birthplace of Confucianism, yet it has only one true scholar. How can you say there are many?"

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