≪論語･陽貨≫篇“興觀群怨”章獻疑

Abstract

This paper makes a study of the interpretation of “興觀群怨” in the article “The Analects of Confucius≪論語≫ , Book 17 - Yang Huo(陽貨)”. First of all, I sorted out the influential viewpoints of Kong An Guo(孔安國), Zhu Xi(朱熹) and modern scholars. This article believes that Confucius was a person in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. Since he talked about learning the contents of “the Classic of Poetry(≪詩經≫)”, we must return to that era to investigate how people used “the Classic of Poetry” in diplomatic occasions. After detailed research and study, we believe that the phrase “興觀群怨” should be translated into “Confucius said: My disciples! Why don't you learn Poems(the Classic of Poetry, ≪詩≫)”! In diplomatic occasions, you can use “Poems” to express your own meaning and observe the meaning of the opposite side. If you use the “Poems” well, you can soften the mood of the talks and make relationship better. If you don't use it well, you can break the relationship. In the near future, learning the “Poems” well can cultivate yourself and be filial to your parents. In the far future, learning the “Poems” well can also serve the emperor as a minister. Even if you don't achieve these, you're at least you can know more birds, animals, plants, insects and fish!