Analects · Character

Tsze-chang

An ambitious disciple studying for official emolument, taught to hear much, doubt much, and speak cautiously so as to earn few occasions for blame.

supporting

Also known as Tsze - chang, XIX Tsze - chang, XIV Tsze - chang, XVIII Tsze - chang, XVII Tsze - chang, II Tsze - chang, V Tsze - chang, VI Tsze - chang, X Tsze - chang, Tsze - chang

First appearance: book i hsio r

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

Seeks advice on official emolument; instructed on cautious speech and conduct.

In the storyChapter XVIIOpen this moment free

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In Chapter XVII: Seeks advice on official emolument; instructed on cautious speech and conduct. Later, in XXIII: Asks Confucius whether…

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See Tsze-chang in book i hsio r

Character Web

2 connections

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Wide Range of Confucian Contexts
Protagonist
Confucius's Interlocutors and Disciples

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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

Tsze-chang appears across 24 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter XVII
Seeks advice on official emolument; instructed on cautious speech and conduct.
XXIII
Asks Confucius whether the affairs of ten ages after could be known.
Chapter XVIII
Asks Confucius about the virtue of Tsze Wǎn and Ch'ǎn Wǎn.
XIX
Asks Confucius about the characteristics of the good man.
Book XII: Yen Yüan
Asks about intelligence, government, and the distinction between distinction and notoriety.
VI
Asks Confucius about the nature of intelligence.
X
Asks about exalting virtue and discovering delusions.
XIV
Asks Confucius about the art of government.
XX
Asks Confucius about the meaning of distinction, contrasting it with notoriety.
XLIII
Asks Confucius to explain a passage from the Shû regarding Kâo-tsung's silence during mourning.
Book XV: Wei Ling Kung
Asks how to be appreciated everywhere and receives counsel on sincerity and careful conduct.
V
Asks Confucius how to conduct himself to be appreciated everywhere, and writes the counsels on his sash.
XLI
Asks whether the Master's conduct toward the music-master is the established rule.
Book XVI: Ke She
Not directly mentioned in this chapter, but his presence is implied through the context of Confucius's teachings.
Book XVII: Yang Ho
Asks about perfect virtue and receives the five practices.
VI
Asks Confucius about perfect virtue.
Book XIX: Tsze-Chang
Opens the chapter with teachings on the scholar's duty, virtue, and the superior man's conduct.
I
Defines the conduct expected of a scholar, prioritizing righteousness and reverence.
II
Raises a philosophical question about the importance of actively cultivating virtue and maintaining sincere belief.
III
Explains the superior man's approach to intercourse, emphasizing tolerance and compassion over selective association.
Chapter XV
Subject of the assessment, noted for his capacity for difficult deeds but lacking perfect virtue.
XVI
Chang is described as having an imposing manner that makes practicing virtue difficult.
Yâo Yüeh
Asks Confucius how a person in authority should conduct government properly, prompting the Master's detailed response.
II
Asks Confucius about the proper conduct of a person in authority.

Chapter companion notes

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See Tsze-chang in book i hsio r

See Tsze-chang in Chapter XVII