The Natural Course of Events (4)

1 Artist, writer and collector of all ages have a common dream; they wish that their works or collections would be showcased in the national museum for good so that his name and books can be handed over for thousands of years.

2 Sport stars of the U.S.A wish they would be listed in the Fame Hall. Zhu Ming and Zhang Daqian also wish their carving and painting works would be exhibited with the ancient works in the national museum.

3 The same goes to Confucius. He had collected many books, some were other’s works, some were written by him. He wished those works would be conserved forever in the national library.

4 When Confucius raised the idea of contributing those works to the royal library of Zhou, Zilu suggested, “In order to make the royal library accept our books, we may ask Laodan’s help. It is known that he was a director of the library. Though he is retired now, I think, his recommendation is still helpful.”

5 Confucius thought what Zilu recommended was reasonable. He decided to visit Laodan and ask for his help.

6 The day, Confucius visited Laodan and addressed his purpose. To Confucius’ embarrassment, Laodan refused, “No. I can’t recommend it.”

7 Confucius did not give up. Opening the twelve classical books he carried and tried to address the content to Laodan so as to gain his agreement. Speaking for a while, Laodan raised his hand to interrupt him. Laodan said, “Wait, I would like to hear the essentials.”

8 “Benevolence and righteousness are the essentials of those books.” Confucius answered.

9 Laodan asked, “Are they the original nature of human?”

10 Confucius replied, “Yes, they are. A man is not a gentleman without benevolence; he can’t live in the society without righteousness. Therefore, they are the prerequisite virtue of a man of perfect practice.”

11 Laodan asked again, “Please elaborate the meaning what benevolence and righteousness you called are?”

12 Confucius answered, “Our thinking and planning are for the purpose to make our people and affairs harmonious, tranquil and beautiful, no matter to different races and nationalities. These are benevolence and righteousness.”

13 Laodan said gravely, “Alas! Your thought is dangerous! Don’t say these in the future. These concepts would teach people to be evil. Isn’t it too pedantic to advocate the multi-love? The so-called selflessness essentially is selfishness in nature!”

14 If the purpose of your books is well governance of a country and good living of people, then, what you do is futile. The natural course of events has been there, operating in a certain regulations. It is cold and hot in the due time. Rice has its time to sow and harvest. The sun and the moon hang in the sky to illuminate the world in turn. The stars appear in fixed position and time, making few mistakes.

15 The animals, such as cattle, sheep, horse and deer live in groups in the wild field. We never breed them. They make no clear change, nor does the forest.

16 As a member of the Nature, why do we need benevolence and righteousness? Why to use artificial governance to manage and interfere?

17 As long as people live on their inherent and original nature, and conduct on Tao, they can live well, and your bother is totally unnecessary. Why do you toil to advocate benevolence and righteousness?

18 It is just like the parents knocking gong and drum in the funeral to expect their son back to life, which is useless.

19 What you advocate will disorder the nature of human. Abandon it! Wanna ask the library to store your books for others’ reference? It is unnecessary, I think.”