There were four things which the Master taught, letters, ethics, devotion of soul, and truthfulness.
子以四教:文,行,忠,信。
The Master said, "A sage it is not mine to see; could I see a man of real talent and virtue, that would satisfy me."
子曰:“圣人,吾不得而见之矣;得见君子者斯可矣。”
The Master said, "A good man it is not mine to see; could I see a man possessed of constancy, that would satisfy me.
子曰:“善人,吾不得而见之矣,得见有恒者斯可矣。
"Having not and yet affecting to have, empty and yet affecting to be full,
亡而为有,虚而为盈,
straitened and yet affecting to be at ease: it is difficult with such characteristics to have constancy."
约而为泰,难乎有恒乎。”
The Master angled, but did not use a net. He shot, but not at birds perching.
子钓而不纲,弋不射宿。
The Master said, "There may be those who act without knowing why. I do not do so.
子曰:“盖有不知而作之者,我无是也。
Hearing much and selecting what is good and following it; seeing much and keeping it in memory: this is the second style of knowledge."
多闻,择其善者而从之;多见而识之,知之次也。”
It was difficult to talk profitably and reputably with the people of Hu-hsiang,
互乡难与言,
and a lad of that place having had an interview with the Master, the disciples doubted.
童子见,门人惑。