1
When Pi-kan was put to death for remonstrating [with the
Tyrant Chou], Chi-tzŭ said, "To speak, knowing [one's words]
will not be put to use, is stupid. By sacrificing oneself to make
the wickedness of one's prince apparent, is not loyal. These are
two things that should not be done. If, however, they are done,
there is no greater misfortune." Whereupon he let his hair down
his back and, feigning madness, left.
On hearing of this the superior man says, Chi-tzŭ was put to
a hard task indeed. He exhausted his vigor and pushed to the
limit his loyalty and love. When he witnessed the affair of Pi-kan,
he removed himself. [He represents] the extreme of jên [combined
with] understanding. The Ode says,[1]
People have the saying,
"There is no wise man who is not [also] stupid."
