Yuan Xian, a former student of Confucius, lived in Lu Province. The roof of his hut was covered with thatch. Everything around was overgrown with bushes and mulberry trees. The neck of a jug served as a window in the house, and Yuan Xian plugged it with matting when the wind blew. There was no floor in the hut, and the roof was leaking, causing constant dampness. However, Yuan Xian sat in his house completely contented, playing the lute and singing.
Tzu Kung, another disciple of Confucius, wore a robe of purple silk, and his white cape shone like snow. And so he came to visit Yuan Xian in a chariot drawn by sleek horses in beautiful harness. Yuan Xian came out to meet his friend in a birch bark hat and straw sandals, leaning on a staff.
“It saddens me to see you in such misfortune!” - Tzu-Gong exclaimed instead of greeting.
But Yuan Xian answered him like this:
“I heard that the poor is the one who does not have wealth, and the unfortunate is the one who, having studied a lot, cannot apply what he has learned in practice.” It’s true: I’m really poor, but I can’t really be called unhappy.
Tzu-Gong was ashamed and remained silent. Then Yuan Xian laughed and said:
“Living for fame and praise, obeying someone and pretending to be free, studying in order to shine in front of others, teaching for profit, hiding your true intentions under the guise of virtue and flaunting your chariot and horses - that’s what I can’t stand!”
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru