To be selfless and impartial, acting solely for the public good without any personal bias or consideration.
Era:
Early Modern
Frequency:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn Period, Duke Ping of Jin once asked Qi Huangyang, 'Nanyang County needs a magistrate. In your opinion, who would be most suitable for the position?' Qi Huangyang replied without hesitation, 'Jie Hu would be the most suitable. He is definitely capable of the task!' Duke Ping was surprised and asked him, 'Isn't Jie Hu your enemy? Why would you recommend him?' Qi Huangyang said, 'You only asked me who was capable and most suitable; you didn't ask me if Jie Hu was my enemy!'
So, Duke Ping appointed Jie Hu as the magistrate of Nanyang County. Upon taking office, Jie Hu did many good deeds for the local people, and everyone praised him. After some time, Duke Ping asked Qi Huangyang again, 'The imperial court needs a judge. Who do you think is competent for this role?' Qi Huangyang replied, 'Qi Wu is capable of handling it.'
Duke Ping was again puzzled and asked, 'Isn't Qi Wu your son? Aren't you afraid of gossip by recommending your own son?' Qi Huangyang said, 'You only asked me who was competent, so I recommended him. You didn't ask me if Qi Wu was my son!' Duke Ping then appointed Qi Wu as the judge. Qi Wu, as judge, accomplished many good things for the people and was widely welcomed and loved.
Confucius, upon hearing these two incidents, greatly praised Qi Huangyang. Confucius said, 'Qi Huangyang spoke excellently! He recommended people based purely on their ability, not holding a grudge against his enemy and refusing to recommend him, nor fearing gossip by recommending his own son. A person like Qi Huangyang can truly be described as "utterly selfless and impartial"!'