Question: How do you comment on Confucius’s refusal to pay for buying a shell for Yan Yuan’s coffin? Does it show Confucius's lack of sincerity in his "love" toward his so-called "favorite" student?
Confucius paid great attention to courtesy, and in his eyes, public etiquette was great than personal affection. He believed that it was the existence of public etiwuette that could maintain the order of the dynasty. And Yan Hui was his best disciple, so Confucius knew that Yan Hui would understand and respect his etiquette, and would not feel that he was ruthless.
Confucius is a rational man. About the choice of Yan Yvan's funeral, he followed the Rites of Zhou,which he pursued for life time. However,Confucius was very sad about Yan Yvan's death and attached great importance to his funeral, which claimed his love to his favorite student.
After the unfortunate death of Yan yuan, Confucius did not follow the trend in the face of his disciples and Yan's father's request for a generous burial, but stuck to the Confucian etiquette, believing that funerals should be based on sincerity and should not pursue material luxury. His refusal to sell cars and make coffers was not only a consideration of Yan Hui's family's economic situation, but also a adherence to the Confucian principles of frugality and respect for etiquette, rather than a lack of sincerity in his love for him
Confucius’ refusal to pay for an expensive shell for Yan Yuan’s coffin does not necessarily indicate a lack of sincerity in his love for Yan Yuan. Instead, it reflects his deep commitment to the principles of propriety, frugality, moral integrity, and respect for tradition. His decision was guided by a broader ethical framework that prioritized the values he taught over personal sentiment. This demonstrates that Confucius’ love for Yan Yuan was genuine but expressed through adherence to these higher principles.