III

The disciples of Tsze-hsiâ asked Tsze-chang about the principles that should characterize mutual intercourse. Tsze-chang asked, “What does Tsze-hsiâ say on the subject?” They replied, “Tsze-hsiâ says:⁠—‘Associate with those who can advantage you. Put away from you those who cannot do so.’ ” Tsze-chang observed, “This is different from what I have learned. The superior man honours the talented and virtuous, and bears with all. He praises the good, and pities the incompetent. Am I possessed of great talents and virtue?⁠—who is there among men whom I will not bear with? Am I devoid of talents and virtue?⁠—men will put me away from them. What have we to do with the putting away of others?”