The Mark of a True “Accomplished” One: Recommending One’s Own Servant to the Court

Confucius praised Gong Ming Wen for recommending his own servant to be a minister like himself.

The great officer, Xian, who had been family minister to Gong Ming Wen, ascended to the prince’s court in company with Wen. The Master, having heard of it, said, ‘He deserved to be considered WEN (the accomplished).’

公叔文子之臣大夫僎,与文子同升诸公。子闻之曰:“可以为文矣。”

Source: The Analects, Xian Wen XIV, Chapter 18

Author: Confucius (in narrative)

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