Tsze-lû asked what constituted a complete man. The Master said, “Suppose a man with the knowledge of Tsǎng Wû-chung, the freedom from covetousness of Kung-ch’o, the bravery of Chwang of Pien, and the varied talents of Zân Ch’iû; add to these the accomplishments of the rules of propriety and music:—such a one might be reckoned a complete man.”
He then added, “But what is the necessity for a complete man of the present day to have all these things? The man, who in the view of gain, thinks of righteousness; who in the view of danger is prepared to give up his life; and who does not forget an old agreement however far back it extends:—such a man may be reckoned a complete man.”