Lun Yu – Les Entretiens de Confucius

Ki K'ang tzeu demanda si Tzeu lou était capable d'administrer les affaires publiques1. Le Maître répondit : « Iou2 sait prendre une décision ; quelle difficulté aurait-il à administrer les affaires publiques ? » Ki K'ang tzeu dit : « Seu3 est-il capable d'administrer les affaires publiques ? » Confucius répondit : « Seu est très intelligent ; quelle difficulté aurait-il à administrer les affaires publiques ? » Ki K'ang tzeu dit : « K'iou4 peut-il gérer les affaires publiques ? » Confucius répondit : « K'iou a beaucoup de talents ; quelle difficulté aurait-il à administrer les affaires publiques ? »

Couvreur VI.6.

The qualities of Tsze-lû, Tsze-kung, and Tsze-Yû, and their competency to assist in government.
Chî K'ang asked about Chung-yû, whether he was fit to be employed as an officer of government. The Master said, "Yû is a man of decision; what difficulty would he find in being an officer of government?" K'ang asked, "Is Ts'ze fit to be employed as an officer of government?" and was answered, "Ts'ze is a man of intelligence; what difficulty would he find in being an officer of government?" And to the same question about Ch'iû the Master gave the same reply, saying, "Ch'iû is a man of various ability."

Legge VI.6.

Chi K'ang Tzu asked, 'Is Chung Yu good enough to be given office?' The Master said, 'Yu is resolute. What difficulties could there be for him in taking office?' 'Is Ssu good enough to be given office?' 'Ssu is a man of understanding. What difficulties could there be for him in taking office?' 'Is Ch'iu good enough to be given office?" 'Ch'iu is accomplished. What difficulties could there be for him in taking office?'

Lau [6:8]