Analect 18.5-Jieyu the Madman of Chu (ES)

     Book 18 is a short book with only 11 analects in it. Additionally this book has very few analects in 

which Confucius himself speaks at all. One of those analect in which he does not speak or respond to 

anyone is analect 18.5. In analect 18.5 Jieyu the Madman of Chu as he is called sings a very interesting 

song which captivates Confucius causing him to descend from his carriage to speak with Jieyu, only for

Jieyu to quickly run away from him. This is the song Jieyu sings, "Oh phoenix! Oh phoenix! Why has

your Virtue so declined? What is past is beyond remonstration, But the future can still be pursued, Give

it up! Give it up!". Jieyu then adds to his song by saying, "Those who participate in government these days

court nothing but danger". The song along with his remarks begs several questions for me. 

    Firstly, who in the scenario is the phoenix who has lost or had their Virtue decline? Could it possibly be 

the government? Secondly, what needs to be given up exactly, is it the past that is beyond remonstration? 

If so is Jieyu telling us or more precisely Confucius a person involved in governmental affairs to forget 

the past and look only toward the future? Is this why he adds on the remark that those who participate in 

government are only courting danger? Thirdly, is Jieyu, intended audience Confucius or all people who 

are involved in government particularly if the government is corrupt. Lastly, why does Jieyu rush away

from Confucius instead of speaking with him? Also from Jieyu's song and remarks on government and 

Confucius's reaction, can we really say he is a madman?

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