Transgression
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When Zilu, a disciple of Confucius, was the magistrate of Hou, the ruler of Lu conscripted laborers to dig canals for the purpose of preventing waterlogging. One day, seeing some laborers go hungry, Zilu prepared food for them at his own expense. But Confucius sent Zigong, a fellow disciple, to stop him.
"Did I do something wrong?" Zilu demanded angrily when he called upon Confucius. "Didn't you tell us to be charitable?"
"You are too naive," Confucius said. "I thought you understood politics. These men were hired by the ruler of Lu. If they have no food, you ought to report to the ruler of Lu who can open the granary for the purpose. Your intention is good, but you are overstepping your authority." Hardly had Confucius finished his words when an envoy of the ruler of Lu came.
He asked Confucius, "Are you trying to buy popularity by sending your disciple to distribute food to these workers? What is your intention?"
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Wise Proverbs
- More haste, less speed.
- 欲速则不达。
- Two heads are better than one.
- 两人智慧胜一人。
- Many hands make light work.
- 人多好办事
Editor Says:
Zilu did not realize even if he emptied his own pocket, he would not be able to feed these laborers. If the laborers did not get their food in time, reporting to the ruler of Lu would help set up a system to fix the problem. And a system is always stronger than an individual.