The Thinning Ranks: A Journey Through Four Levels of Fellowship on the Path

Confucius described the stages of companionship: Some can study with you, but not pursue the Way; some can pursue it, but not stand firm; some can stand firm, but not exercise discretion with you.

There are some with whom we may study in common, but we shall find them unable to go along with us to principles. Perhaps we may go on with them to principles, but we shall find them unable to get established in those along with us. Or if we may get so established along with them, we shall find them unable to weigh occurring events along with us.

可与共学,未可与适道;可与适道,未可与立;可与立,未可与权。

Source: The Analects, Zi Han IX, Chapter 30

Author: Confucius

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