Verse 4-Analects of Confucius Chapter 17
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Verse 4 of Analects of Confucius Chapter 17
English: Confucius and his disciples went to Wu Cheng(1). Over there he heard sounds of stringed instruments and singing. Confucius smiled and said,"Is there a need to use a big knife to kill a chicken." Zi You said:"But Teacher, I have previously heard you saying 'The gentleman who learns music and rites will be able to take care of people. The common people who learn music and rites can be managed easily '" Confucius said:"My pupils, what Yan Yan(2) said is correct. I spoke the words before in jest."
Modern: 孔子到了武城(一)，听到弹琴唱歌的声音。孔子微笑地说：“杀鸡哪里需要用宰牛刀。” 子游说：“以前我曾听老师说过：‘君子学习礼乐就会爱护人；老百姓受过礼乐教化就容易治理。’” 孔子说：“各位同学，言偃(二)说的对。刚才的话只不过是戏言。”
Original: 子之武城，闻弦歌之声。夫子莞尔而笑，曰：“割鸡焉用牛刀？” 子游对曰：“昔者偃也闻诸夫子曰：‘君子学道则爱人，小人学道则易使也。’” 子曰：“二三子！偃之言是也。前言戏之耳。”
Explanation:
Application:
Notes
- (1): A feudal community in State of Lu(鲁) where Zi You is the head official.
- (2): Refers to Zi You.
- (一): 地名,位于鲁国，子游是武城长官。
- (二): 即子游。