Analects 4.9 · Li Ren
“A scholar who aspires to the Way yet is ashamed of poor clothes and plain food is not worth discussing the Way with.”
Meaning, context, and how to apply it today
士志於道 而恥惡衣惡食者 未足與議也 (shì zhì yú dào, ér chǐ è yī è shí zhě, wèi zú yǔ yì yě) means “A scholar who aspires to the Way yet is ashamed of poor clothes and plain food is not worth discussing the Way with.” It is a passage from the Analects of Confucius, Book 4 (Li Ren), Chapter 9.
士志於道 而恥惡衣惡食者 未足與議也
- Pinyin
- shì zhì yú dào, ér chǐ è yī è shí zhě, wèi zú yǔ yì yě
- Translation
- A scholar who aspires to the Way yet is ashamed of poor clothes and plain food is not worth discussing the Way with.
- Source
- Analects, Book 4 (Li Ren), Chapter 9
What does this passage mean?
This passage from the Li Ren chapter concerns the attitude required to pursue the Way. 士 refers to a learned person devoted to study, while 惡衣惡食 means poor clothing and poor food—a materially impoverished life. Someone who sets the will upon the Way yet remains ashamed of outward conditions has not attained spiritual maturity. Confucius taught that walking the path of learning and self-cultivation requires transcending material desire.
How can we apply it today?
In an age preoccupied with brands and outward image, this passage makes a painful point. Some people claim to cherish a great purpose yet remain obsessed with designer bags and luxury cars; others speak of a social mission while worrying constantly about appearances. Proper care for one's presentation is certainly useful, but when it becomes the center of life, the essence is lost. Many successful entrepreneurs continue to live simply because they focus their energy on what matters most.
Questions to reflect on
- ·Am I overly conscious of my material circumstances?
- ·While pursuing my dreams and values, have I been shaken by outward appearances?
- ·What can I give up in order to concentrate on what truly matters?
Character-by-character breakdown
| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Strokes | Radical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 士 | shì | scholar | 3 | 士 (scholar) |
| 志 | zhì | intention | 7 | 心 (heart) |
| 於 | yú | at; in | 8 | 方 (square) |
| 道 | dào | the Way; road | 13 | 辵 (walk) |
| 而 | ér | and; but | 6 | 而 (and) |
| 恥 | chǐ | feel ashamed | 10 | 心 (heart) |
| 惡 | è | bad | 12 | 心 (heart) |
| 衣 | yī | clothes | 6 | 衣 (clothes) |
| 惡 | è | bad | 12 | 心 (heart) |
| 食 | shí | eat | 9 | 食 (eat) |
| 者 | zhě | one; thing | 8 | 老 (old) |
| 未 | wèi | still | 5 | 木 (tree) |
| 足 | zú | ample | 7 | 足 (foot) |
| 與 | yǔ | together with | 14 | 臼 (mortar) |
| 議 | yì | discuss | 20 | 言 (speech) |
| 也 | yě | grammatical particle | 3 | 乙 (second) |
Frequently asked questions
Q. What does “A scholar who aspires to the Way yet is…” mean?
士志於道 而恥惡衣惡食者 未足與議也 (shì zhì yú dào, ér chǐ è yī è shí zhě, wèi zú yǔ yì yě) means “A scholar who aspires to the Way yet is ashamed of poor clothes and plain food is not worth discussing the Way with.” It comes from the Analects, Book 4 (Li Ren), Chapter 9.
Q. Where does this passage appear in the Analects?
It is Analects 4.9: Book 4 (Li Ren), Chapter 9.
Q. How can this teaching be applied today?
In an age preoccupied with brands and outward image, this passage makes a painful point.