《论语·微子》“子路问津”章再释——兼论儒家的政治品格和进退之道

Reinterpretation of"Zi Lu to Inquire for Ford"in The Analects:On the Political Character and Advance-Retreat Principle

在《论语·微子》“子路问津”章中,孔子面对隐者的劝诫,表示了自己知其不可而为之的政治态度。孔子指出,现实政治再怎么不堪,人也不可与鸟兽同群,而只能与当世之人并力改变之。孔子和隐者有相似的境遇和政治追求,故对其有亲近、欣赏之意,但孔子对隐者的肯定又是相对的。孔子的政治态度始终是积极、进取的,是“知其不可而为之者”,孔子的政治态度奠定了儒家积极、进取的政治品格。儒家之退是暂时的、有条件的,是退而有为的,是不得已而以迂回、曲折、隐秘的方式参与政治,实现自己的政治理想。

In the chapter of"Zi Lu to Inquire for Ford"in The Analects,Confucius expressed his political attitude towards the hermit’s exhortation about making impossible possible.Confucius pointed out that no matter how unbearable the real politics can be,it’s impossible to associate with birds and beasts,but only people working together to change it.Confucius and hermits have similar circumstances and political pursuit,so they are close to and appreciated him,but Confucius affirmed hermits relatively.Confucius’political attitude is always positive and progressive.He is a"people know the trends cannot be turned back and still want to do it".Confucius’political attitude has established the positive and progressive political character of Confucianism.The retreat of Confucianism is temporary,conditional,and voluntary.It is a necessary and circuitous way to participate in politics and realize his political ideal.