Analects 1.14 · Xue Er
“The exemplary person does not seek a full belly in eating or comfort in dwelling.”
Meaning, context, and how to apply it today
君子食無求飽 居無求安 (jūn zǐ shí wú qiú bǎo, jū wú qiú ān) means “The exemplary person does not seek a full belly in eating or comfort in dwelling.” It is a passage from the Analects of Confucius, Book 1 (Xue Er), Chapter 14.
君子食無求飽 居無求安
- Pinyin
- jūn zǐ shí wú qiú bǎo, jū wú qiú ān
- Translation
- The exemplary person does not seek a full belly in eating or comfort in dwelling.
- Source
- Analects, Book 1 (Xue Er), Chapter 14
What does this passage mean?
In Xue Er, seeking fullness refers to pursuing abundant food, while seeking ease refers to comfortable living. The passage teaches that an exemplary person is not bound by material comfort. It continues by praising diligence in work, caution in speech, and correction by those who possess the Way. Together these qualities describe a life that restrains material appetite and concentrates on spiritual value.
How can we apply it today?
The popularity of minimalism reflects a modern recognition that material abundance does not necessarily bring happiness. The endless pursuit of a better house, a better car, and finer food can make us miss what actually matters. Once basic needs are met, investment in growth, relationships, and meaning brings deeper satisfaction. Restraint is not deprivation but choice.
Questions to reflect on
- ·How dependent are you on material comfort?
- ·Can you restrain your desires for food and housing?
- ·What might change if you reduced material concerns and increased inner abundance?
Character-by-character breakdown
| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Strokes | Radical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 君 | jūn | ruler | 7 | 口 (mouth) |
| 子 | zǐ | son | 3 | 子 (child) |
| 食 | shí | eat | 9 | 食 (eat) |
| 無 | wú | lack | 12 | 火 (fire) |
| 求 | qiú | seek | 7 | 水 (water) |
| 飽 | bǎo | full | 14 | 食 (eat) |
| 居 | jū | dwell | 8 | 尸 (corpse) |
| 無 | wú | lack | 12 | 火 (fire) |
| 求 | qiú | seek | 7 | 水 (water) |
| 安 | ān | peaceful | 6 | 宀 (roof) |
Frequently asked questions
Q. What does “The exemplary person does not seek a full…” mean?
君子食無求飽 居無求安 (jūn zǐ shí wú qiú bǎo, jū wú qiú ān) means “The exemplary person does not seek a full belly in eating or comfort in dwelling.” It comes from the Analects, Book 1 (Xue Er), Chapter 14.
Q. Where does this passage appear in the Analects?
It is Analects 1.14: Book 1 (Xue Er), Chapter 14.
Q. How can this teaching be applied today?
The popularity of minimalism reflects a modern recognition that material abundance does not necessarily bring happiness.