Misinterpretation of "Only women and villains are difficult to raise" _ Word Sea Omission 1. The Misinterpreted "Only Women and Villains Are Difficult to Raise" Confucius said: "Only women and villains are hard to live with; if you get close to them, they become disrespectful; if you keep your distance, they complain." (From the Analects of Confucius - Yang Huo). This sentence from the Analects is often misinterpreted as: "Women and villains are the hardest to educate. If you get close to them, they become disrespectful; if you stay away, they resent you." The reason for this misinterpretation is equating "women" with "females" or "women," and interpreting "raising" as "supporting" or "educating." Due to this misinterpretation, people believe that Confucius equated women with villains. Thus, some interpret Confucius as the culprit who discriminates against and belittles women, causing many women to deeply resent him. In fact, this is a huge misunderstanding! It is the result of misinterpreting the classic text, and also the result of "recklessly guessing the sage's intention." The term "woman" in classical Chinese carries a derogatory meaning and does not refer to ordinary "females," but specifically to women with low moral standards and incomplete personalities, i.e., female "villains." In traditional Chinese culture, "gentlemen" and "villains" specifically refer to males and cannot be used to describe females. Males can be divided into "gentlemen" and "villains," while females can be distinguished as "virtuous ladies" and "women." "Raising" does not mean "supporting" or "educating," but rather "interacting." Precisely because it refers to "interaction," there is a distinction between "distance" and "proximity" mentioned later. The correct interpretation of this classic should be: Confucius said: "Women with imperfect moral characters and male villains are both difficult to interact with. If you get close to them, they do not follow etiquette norms; if you distance yourself from them, they harbor resentment." Confucius is the sage in human civilization history who most respects women, and he certainly does not look down on women as some have slandered him. Confucianism has a tradition of caring for women. In ancient China, women managed households, assisted their husbands, educated their children, and presided over family sacrificial activities. Women held great power in household economics, management, education, and spiritual beliefs, making their status higher than that of women in any other country or civilization.
2. A Brief Examination of the Term "Master"
The term "master" first appeared during the Spring and Autumn period. For example, in the Analects, it is recorded: "If there is wine and food, the master eats first." Here, "master" literally means someone born earlier, referring to elders like fathers and brothers. Later, in the Mencius, it says: "Why does the master say such things?" Here, "master" takes on new meaning, referring not only to elders but also to learned individuals. The earliest use of "master" to refer to teachers appears in the Ceremonial Rites. It records: "Follow the master, and do not overstep propriety when speaking with others." Here, "master" refers to a teacher. Since the Han and Tang dynasties until today, this title has been consistently used.
3. The Origin of "Tongue Cultivation"
The origin of the term "tongue cultivation" stems from the story of Jia Kui, an Eastern Han scholar. Jia Kui was exceptionally intelligent from a young age. At the age of five, hearing an old master teaching students reading through the fence wall, he would quietly listen and softly recite along, year after year without interruption. Thus, Jia Kui secretly studied for five years and by the age of ten, had thoroughly read the classics. After growing up and entering public service, many people came from far and near to seek his guidance. Jia Kui tirelessly taught orally, receiving rewards that often filled his granaries. Because his rewards came from oral teaching, people began calling teaching "tongue cultivation."
4. The Origin of "Eloquent Speaker"
The idiom "eloquent speaker" originates from the Biography of Guo Xiang in the Book of Jin. Guo Xiang was a renowned scholar during the Jin Dynasty, known for being smart and eloquent since childhood. Later, his reputation grew, leading to his selection as a Yellow Gate Attendant. Due to his extensive knowledge and wide-ranging expertise, he could speak endlessly, earning him great admiration at the time. After listening to his profound discourse, Grand Tutor Wang Yan praised him, saying: "Listening to Guo Xiang talk is like a river hanging from a mountain, pouring straight down, ceaselessly flowing, seemingly never ending." Hence, the idiom "eloquent speaker" was born.
5. Explanation of "Golden Branches and Jade Leaves"
Originally describing the beauty of flowers and leaves, it later referred to descendants of royalty, and now is also used to metaphorically describe people of noble birth or delicate and fragile individuals. Typically, this idiom describes royal women.
6. Explanation of "Gentlewoman"
Generally refers to women with substantial family backgrounds, good education, strict behavioral constraints, and adherence to Confucian norms. They possess average to above-average looks, good character, extensive knowledge, a willingness to follow virtue, rational thinking skills, a modest personality, a sense of responsibility, refined yet not arrogant demeanor, and good interpersonal relationships. Nowadays, it refers to women who display high personal cultivation in speech, temperament, and dressing style.
7. Explanation of "Young Beauty from a Humble Home"
This term originates from the ancient musical poem "Biyu Song": "Biyu, a girl from a humble home, dares not aspire to virtue among the noble. Touched by her husband's sincerity, she forms a bond of friendship." Thereafter, "young beauty from a humble home" became a synonym for young, beautiful daughters from modest families.
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