The Analects

by

Confucius

The Analects: Book 11 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Although the Chi Family is very wealthy, Ch’iu helps them to increase their wealth by collecting extensive taxes. Confucius says that Ch’iu is no disciple of his. He tells his friends that they may attack Ch’iu openly. 
In this moment, Confucius demonstrates his scorn for greed and materialistic behavior, going so far as to tell his friends to attack Ch’iu.
Themes
Self-Restraint Theme Icon
Quotes
Yu asks the Master if he should immediately put into practice what he has learned, and the Master tells him that he shouldn’t while his father and elder brother are still alive. Jan Yu asks the Master the same question, and he tells him that he should immediately put into practice what he has learned. Another disciple asks the Master why he has given Yu and Jan Yu different answers. The Master responds saying that Yu has too much energy, so he must be restrained. On the other hand, Jan Yu holds himself back, so the Master felt he needed to encourage him. 
Here, Confucius shows himself to be an excellent teacher. He is aware of his student’s unique skillsets and creates teaching approaches that are specific to both of them. The Master has told Yu to exercise a different type of restraint—while much of the text has focused on material restraint, here, Confucius speaks to the importance of patience in learning the Way. 
Themes
Self-Restraint Theme Icon
Self-Mastery, Discipline, and Improvement Theme Icon