To die without regret or resentment; to be perfectly content and accepting of one's fate, even in death.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
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Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, Confucius was traveling and lecturing. Zilu, carrying his sword, accompanied him for protection. Zilu remarked that he was like an arrow and didn't need to study. Confucius replied that studying could make him both brave and wise.
Zilu then asked Confucius whom he would choose to work with if he were to command an army.
Confucius stated that he would not want to work with those who would 'fight a tiger bare-handed' or 'cross a river without a boat' – brave but reckless individuals. Instead, he would prefer to work with people who possess both courage and wisdom, for with such companions, he would 'die without resentment' (死而无怨).