📖 Overview
In this chapter, Confucius meets an old fisherman who teaches him about the Tao. The fisherman argues that Confucius's obsession with ritual (li) and benevolence (ren) has separated him from his true nature. The real virtue is following heaven and valuing authenticity.
🏮 Famous Stories & Parables
🏮 The Fisherman Teaches Confucius
Confucius rests by a river. An old fisherman approaches and criticizes him: 'You trouble yourself with ritual and benevolence, but these are artificial. The sage follows heaven and values authenticity (真). Your ceremonies are like beating a drum to search for a lost sheep — the noise disturbs the very thing you seek.' Confucius bows and says: 'I have heard the words of the great Tao.'
🔗 Key Concepts
渔父
法天贵真