Analects · Character

Min Tsze-ch’ien

A disciple of scrupulous filial piety and personal purity who repeatedly declined office, preferring a clean name to a powerful post.

supporting

Also known as Min Tsze - ch’ien, Tsze - ch’ien

First appearance: book i hsio r

As a supporting figure in Analects, Min Tsze-ch’ien is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Praised by Confucius for his superior virtue.

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Min Tsze-ch'ien stands among the disciples as the one who would not be bought, the man whose refusal of office is itself a form of teaching. Where Yen Yû takes the Chî family's salary, Min Tsze-ch'ien keeps his distance, and the contrast is deliberate: the Analects needs at least one figure who proves that the Master's standards can be lived without compromise. His purity is not passivity — it is a quiet argument that some positions cost more than they pay, and that a disciple's first duty may be to remain unentangled.

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See Min Tsze-ch’ien in book i hsio r

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional peak occurs when Confucius directly confronts Yû with a list of six virtues—benevolence, knowled…

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In the story

Min Tsze-ch’ien appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II
Praised by Confucius for his superior virtue.
VII
Declines the offer to be governor of Pî, preferring to live by the Wǎn rather than accept a second invitation.
Book XI: Hsien Tsin
Commended for his filial piety and his prudent, precise speech.
II
Distinguished for virtuous principles and practice.
IV
Praised by Confucius for his filial piety, with others' reports matching his family's.
Chapter XII
Standing by Confucius's side, looking bland and precise.
XIII
Advises repairing the Long Treasury in the old style, demonstrating his preference for tradition and restraint.

Chapter companion notes

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See Min Tsze-ch’ien in book i hsio r

See Min Tsze-ch’ien in II