Shu R. / 28
互乡难与言，童子见，门人惑。子曰，与其进也，不与其退也，唯何甚，人洁己以进，与其洁也，不保其往也。
Modern Chinese Guide
互乡这个地方的人难以交谈，一个互乡的少年却得到了孔子的接见，弟子们感到疑惑。孔子说：我是赞许他的进步，不是赞许他的退步，何必做得太过分呢？别人把自己收拾干净了前来求教，我赞许他这种求洁的态度，不去追究他过去的行为。
James Legge Translation
1. It was difficult to talk (profitably and reputably) with the people of Hu-hsiang, and a lad of that place having had an interview with the Master, the disciples doubted. 2. The Master said, "I admit people's approach to me without committing myself as to what they may do when they have retired. Why must one be so severe? If a man purify himself to wait upon me, I receive him so purified, without guaranteeing his past conduct."
Notes and themes
- 底本：Wikisource 整理的 James Legge《The Chinese Classics》公版中英文本。
- 中文由繁体转为简体，后续白话解释需逐章审校。
- 白话参考底本：《白话论语读本》，张兆瑢、沈元起编译，上海广益书局1948 年新三版。
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