朱熹解《论语》“无为而治”

Zhu Xi′s Interpretation of "Governing by Doing Nothing" of The Analects of Confucius

自《论语》讲"无为而治",历代儒家学者对此做出了不同的诠释。汉唐儒家以"任官得其人"言"无为而治",又讲"德者无为"。与此不同,朱熹以"恭己""德盛而民化"言"无为而治",同时又与《论语》"为政以德"结合起来,讲"为政以德,则无为而天下归之",并将孔子讲"无为"与老子讲"无为"区别开来,从而对《论语》讲"无为"做了系统的论述。清儒更多地汲取朱熹的解读,同时又结合汉唐儒家的"任官得其人"。因此,今人对于孔子"无为而治"的解读,不能只是以汉唐儒家的解读为圭臬,而应当对前人的各种解读做出综合的考察,尤其要研究朱熹的解读。

Since The Analects talked about 'Governing by Doing Nothing', Confucian scholars of all dynasties had made different interpretations on this issue. Confucian scholars in Han and Tang Dynasties interpreted 'governing by doing nothing' as 'governing by appointing officials', and 'the virtuous does not need to do anything'. In contrast, Zhu Xi interpreted 'governing by doing nothing' as 'self-respectful', 'Virtue enlightens people themselves', held 'Governing by means of virtue, so doing nothing while the world unifying', and distinguished Confucius′ 'governing by doing nothing' from Lao Zi′s, thus made a systematic exposition of The Analects′ 'governing by doing nothing'. Confucian scholars in Qing Dynasty absorbed Zhu Xi′s interpretation more, and at the same time combined the Confucianism of Han and Tang Dynasties saying 'governing by appointing officials'. Therefore, interpretation of 'governing by doing nothing' in modern times should not be solely based on the interpretation of Confucianism in the Han and Tang Dynasties, but a comprehensive study of previous interpretations, especially of Zhu Xi′s, should be made.