Verse 18-Analects of Confucius Chapter 12

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Verse 18 of Analects of Confucius Chapter 12

English: Ji Kang Zi⁽¹⁾ was troubled by the prevalence of robbers and thieves. He went to ask Confucius for advice. Confucius adviced:"If you are not covetous, even if there is a reward for stealing, no one would do it."

Modern: 季康子(一): 担心盗贼猖獗，向孔子请教解决方法。孔子说：“只要自身不贪，即使有奖赏，也不会有人去干偷窃的勾当。”

Original: 季康子患盗，问于孔子。孔子对曰：“苟子之不欲，虽赏之不窃。”

Explanation:

Application:

Notes

• (1): Official from the State of Lu (鲁)
• (一): 鲁国官员。