"Rotten wood cannot be carved." This ancient saying is often used to criticize those deemed hopeless. Yet Confucius' anger toward his disciple Zai Yu stemmed from high expectations. Zai Yu was sharp-witted, once arguing that a three-year mourning period was excessive—a view not entirely unreasonable today. True filial piety lies in caring for parents while alive, not in empty rituals after death. However, Zai Yu's laziness and inconsistency between words and actions deeply disappointed the sage.
Confucius also scolded his friend Yuan Rang for sitting rudely with legs outstretched—a posture considered disrespectful in an era lacking proper trousers. He called him "a thief who grows old without dying" and struck his shin with a staff.
The sage's anger was not over trivialities but fundamental principles. Laziness and disrespect, even with eloquence, cannot conceal one's flaws. Let us learn from these lessons, reflect on our conduct, and strive to live with integrity and purpose.