In the ‘Autumn Waters’ chapter of Zhuangzi, that fame of Boyi is put into context. The time of the autumn floods came and the hundred streams poured into the Yellow River.… Read

In his ‘Biography of Boyi’ Sima Qian is befuddled as to why even the most vile people, the notorious Robber Zhi for example, can enjoy happy and prosperous lives. Fame in posterity and through the praise of notable figures at least assures the virtuous a reputation for the ages.… Read

Although in the world of learning there exist a large number and variety of books and records, their reliability must always be examined in the light of the Six Classics. In spite of deficiencies in the Odes and Documents, we can nevertheless know something about the culture of the times of Emperor Shun and the Hsia dynasty.… Read

Mencius said, ‘Boyi would not allow his eyes to look on a bad sight, nor his ears to listen to a bad sound. He would not serve a prince whom he did not approve, nor command a people whom he did not esteem.… Read

18.8 The Master said: ‘Never compromise, accept no insult — this might sum up the attitude of Boyi and Shuqi.’ 子曰：不降其志，不辱其身，伯夷、叔齊與。 5.23 The Master said: ‘Boyi and Shuqi never remembered old grievances and seldom provoked resentment.’… Read