The Original Quote:
子张问明，子曰：“浸润之谮，肤受之愬，不行焉，可谓明也已矣；浸润之谮、肤受之愬不行焉，可谓远也已矣。”
Zǐzhāng wèn míng, zǐ yuē: “Jìnrùn zhī zèn, fūshòu zhī sù, bù xíng yān, kěwèi míng yě yǐ yǐ; jìnrùn zhī zèn, fūshòu zhī sù bù xíng yān, kěwèi yuǎn yě yǐ yǐ.”
English Translation:
Zizhang inquired about wisdom. The Master said, "When insinuating slander that soaks like water, and direct calumny that stings the skin, find no hold in you, you may be called wise indeed. When such insinuations and direct slanders fail to take effect, you may be called far-sighted indeed."
Key Concepts Explained:
- 明 (míng): Wisdom or clarity of insight, often denoting the ability to see through deception and discern truth in human affairs.
- 远 (yuǎn): Far-sightedness or perspicacity, implying a vision that extends beyond immediate appearances to grasp long-term consequences.
- 浸润之谮 (jìnrùn zhī zèn): "Soaking slander" — malicious rumors that gradually infiltrate like water, eroding trust imperceptibly.
- 肤受之愬 (fūshòu zhī sù): "Skin-stinging calumny" — accusations that affect one personally and acutely, causing immediate distress.
Cultural Context:
In the political landscape of ancient China, rulers and officials were often besieged by court intrigues and false accusations. Confucius here addresses a critical virtue for leadership: the ability to resist both subtle, gradual slander and direct, painful defamation. This passage reflects the Confucian ideal of the junzi (君子, exemplary person) who exercises moral discernment and emotional resilience. Historically, such wisdom was essential for maintaining harmony in the state and preventing the ruin of worthy individuals, as slander could "melt metal" and "destroy bones" (众口铄金，积毁销骨). The teaching remains relevant today, encouraging critical thinking and integrity in the face of misinformation.