English Original
The state of Lu was the cradleland of Confucianism, and it boasted a great number of Confucian scholars. Duke Aigong of Lu took great pride in this.
However, Zhang Zi (Zhuangzi) believed that those who bore the title of Confucian scholar were not necessarily true Confucianists. In his view, there were not too many, but rather too few genuine Confucian scholars in Lu.
He advised the Duke, "I have heard that Confucian scholars who wear round-topped headgear understand meteorology and the natural order; those who wear square shoes know geography; and those who bear jade pendants are skilled at decision-making. Yet, people with true ability and accomplishment do not necessarily wear scholarly robes, and those who wear such robes do not necessarily possess ability. If Your Majesty doubts my words, simply issue an order: 'Anyone who wears scholarly attire without genuine ability shall be executed.' Then observe whether anyone continues to wear the scholar's costume." Duke Aigong adopted his suggestion.
Five days after the order was issued, not a single person wearing scholarly robes could be found on the streets of Lu.
中文翻译
鲁国是儒家的发源地，拥有众多的儒生。鲁哀公为此感到非常自豪。
然而，庄子认为，拥有儒生称号的人未必是真正的儒家学者。在他看来，鲁国真正的儒生不是太多，而是太少了。
他对鲁哀公说：“我听说，头戴圆顶帽的儒生，通晓天时气象；脚穿方头鞋的儒生，明晓地理；身佩玉玦的儒生，遇事善于决断。但是，有真才实学的人不一定穿儒服，而穿儒服的人也不一定有真才实学。如果大王不信我的话，何不下令：‘凡身穿儒服而无真实才学者，处以死刑。’然后看看是否还有人敢穿儒服。”鲁哀公采纳了他的建议。
命令颁布五天后，鲁国街头上再也看不到一个穿儒服的人了。