Main Character Energy: Lessons from the Ancient Sage Kings
Book 20 is the final chapter, and it wraps everything up by looking back at the ancient sage kings like Yao, Shun, and Yu. These were the “main characters” of Chinese history for Confucius, the people he thought everyone should try to be like.
The Successors
The book starts with the “order of succession” from one king to another. The message they passed on was simple: “Hold faithfully to the middle.” This isn’t just about being moderate; it’s about finding that perfect balance of rightness in everything you do.
They also believed that if the people were suffering, the leader should take the blame. It’s the ultimate “main character” move: if something goes wrong on your watch, you don’t blame the people or your subordinates. You own it.
The 5 Beautiful Traits
Confucius also gives one final list of traits for people in charge. He says every good leader needs to “respect the five beautiful traits and shun the four abhorrent ones.”
The 5 Beautiful Traits:
- Generous without being wasteful: Know how to help people without just throwing resources away.
- Hardworking without resentment: Make people work hard, but only on things that actually matter and that they’re capable of.
- Desire without being covetous: Want to do good, but don’t just want more stuff for yourself.
- Dignified without being arrogant: Carry yourself with respect, but don’t act like you’re better than everyone else.
- Dignified without being fierce: Be serious about what you do, but don’t be a bully.
The 4 Abhorrent Traits:
- Cruelty: Punishing people before you’ve actually taught them what to do.
- Tyranny: Expecting results without giving people a warning first.
- Harmful: Being slow with orders and then being a jerk about the deadline.
- Petty Clerk: Being stingy when you’re supposed to be giving something away.
The Final Lesson
The very last entry in the Analects says that a person can’t become a “gentleman” if they don’t understand three things:
- Destiny: Accepting that some things are out of your control and you just have to do your best with what you have.
- The Rites: Understanding the balance and rituals that keep society together.
- Insight into Words: Being able to read people and understand the character behind what they’re saying.
It’s a powerful end to a massive journey. It’s about more than just being smart or successful; it’s about having the character to handle whatever destiny throws at you.
Previous: Book 19: The Legacy of the Disciples Next: Closing Thoughts on The Analects
Book Metadata: Title: The Analects Author: Confucius Translator: Annping Chin ISBN: 9780698153516