Analects 4:24

In this particular day I shall interpret a verse from the Analects, namely 4:24.  In A Source Book In Chinese Philosophy, Wing Tsit Chan presents the verse:

“Confucius said, ‘The superior man wants to be slow in word but diligent in action.’ ” ¹

Firstly, let us discuss the theme of the verse.  The theme revolves around the concept of “rectification of the mind”, which is deemed to be an important aspect in becoming a “chun tzu” or a noble man.    This aspect is essential, for one must correct his way of thinking first before doing any course of action.  When one’s thinking is clear and has a specific objective, he can do things properly and effectively.  It will make his action yield good results, and can even contribute to his growth and to the improvement of the society. 

Let us scrutinize the phrase “slow in word”.   Being “slow in word” does not necessarily mean having a weak vocabulary or having the incapacity to speak.  It means that one must “speak less”.  This can be understood in two senses.  The first sense would be in the concept of being polite in words.   It is a common notion that the words coming from one’s mouth has two sources: the mind and the heart.   Having bad words depict wrong thinking.  It is wrong thinking because it makes one have a narrow perspective in things.  It is narrow in the sense that he only sees the negative sides of things.  This is what bad words can do to a person.  

Being “slow in words” means choosing not to speak if need be.  Words are powerful instruments of communication. They can make or unmake relationships. They should be used to facilitate understanding instead of discord, unity instead of faction, and love for others instead of hatred.

The second sense is in terms of making a promise without fulfilling it, or talking too much without doing what was talked about.  This is because it invalidates the objectives of benevolence in a particular act.  Promising or talking too much impedes a person from being firm in his objectives.  This is because the bulk of words inside his mind clutter the space needed for him to think clearly.   This makes him ineffective, because he fails to actuate the supposed values needed for his self-cultivation.  It may even lead him to express this benevolent act in a wrong manner, which can worsen a situation rather than give a solution to it. 

The rectification of the mind is done in these two senses by taking a step back, and reflecting deeply on the objective of a certain act before moving a hand or foot.  This is depicted in not being so blunt when speaking, and not bluffing or not promising too much.  Starting from the mental disposition is important, for it is the source which one refers to when he actuates something.  If the source is disposed of anything that hampers clear thinking, then the consistency demanded for the action done will be assured. 

The second phrase “diligent in action” is the actuation of the objectives that are made clear in the practice of holding one’s tongue.  It validates the benevolent objectives that are prioritized as the action is done.  Being able to do one’s duties effectively or being industrious is the testament of correct thinking that had conspired in an individual.  Diligence is not seen in a worker when he does not justify in with the way the does his work.  The rectification of the mind is done in a sense that the individual makes the objective of goodness consistent by applying it in his way of living.

Correcting one’s way of thinking is essential in developing characteristics akin to that of a noble man.  This is because the mental state of the person affects his actions in a large scale.  This is one of the reasons why Confucius gives primacy in having a right mental disposition.  Having a clear mind yields clear thinking, which could then make a person plan effectively their actions and express it in a proper way. 

Words can be either empty or full.  They can either make one happy or sad.  They can either cause war or develop peace.  Words and actions should be consistent.   Silence sometimes speaks a lot.  But words must be manifested in actions for truth to be established.  There are situations where less words is more fulfilling than a bagful of flowery words.  However, whether there are few words or more words being spoken, the most important is that one must be sincere in every word that comes out of his mouth.  It is action that gives meaning to words.  One has to work hard to make his actions consistent with what he says.   A simple word and a sincere act make a simple man noble or superior.

Source:

   1.       Wing Tsit Chan, “The Humanism of Confucius”, (United States: Princeton University Press, 1963), In A Source Book In Chinese Philosophy, 28.