Analysis of "原毁" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"原毁" (Yuán Huǐ), meaning "On the Origin of Slander," is a famous prose essay by Han Yu (768–824), a prominent Tang Dynasty writer and philosopher. While not a poem in the traditional sense, this work is considered a masterpiece of classical Chinese literature and reflects the Confucian values that dominated Chinese intellectual thought. Han Yu was a key figure in the Classical Prose Movement, advocating for clear, straightforward writing over the ornate style popular at the time. "原毁" examines human nature and the destructive tendency to criticize others while excusing oneself, offering timeless insights into human behavior.

The Full Text and Translation

古之君子，其责己也重以周，其待人也轻以约。

Gǔ zhī jūnzǐ, qí zé jǐ yě zhòng yǐ zhōu, qí dài rén yě qīng yǐ yuē.

The superior men of old held themselves to strict and comprehensive standards, while being lenient and undemanding toward others.

重以周，故不怠；轻以约，故人乐为善。

Zhòng yǐ zhōu, gù bù dài; qīng yǐ yuē, gù rén lè wéi shàn.

Being strict with themselves, they never slackened; being lenient with others, people were happy to do good.

今之君子则不然，其责人也详，其待己也廉。

Jīn zhī jūnzǐ zé bùrán, qí zé rén yě xiáng, qí dài jǐ yě lián.

The superior men of today are not like this. They demand much from others but are lenient with themselves.

详，故人难于为善；廉，故自取也少。

Xiáng, gù rén nán yú wéi shàn; lián, gù zì qǔ yě shǎo.

Demanding much makes it hard for others to do good; being lenient with oneself leads to little self-improvement.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "古之君子..." (The superior men of old...)
Han Yu begins by praising ancient sages who held themselves to high standards while being forgiving toward others. This reflects Confucian ideals of self-cultivation and benevolence. The contrast between "strict with self" (重以周) and "lenient with others" (轻以约) establishes the moral framework.

2. "重以周，故不怠..." (Being strict with themselves...)
The cause-and-effect relationship shows how this attitude benefits both the individual and society. Self-discipline prevents laziness, while kindness encourages virtue in others.

3. "今之君子则不然..." (The superior men of today...)
Han Yu sharply criticizes contemporary scholars for reversing this principle. The words "详" (detailed/demanding) and "廉" (meager/lenient) create a striking contrast between their harsh judgment of others and easy self-excuses.

4. "详，故人难于为善..." (Demanding much makes it hard...)
The essay concludes with the negative consequences of this hypocrisy: it discourages moral behavior in society while stunting one's own growth. The parallel structure emphasizes the dual damage caused by slanderous attitudes.

Themes and Symbolism

Hypocrisy and Moral Double Standards
The central theme is the examination of why people are quick to criticize others while making excuses for themselves. Han Yu suggests this stems from laziness in self-improvement and jealousy of others' virtues.

Confucian Ideals
The essay promotes core Confucian values:
- 君子 (jūnzǐ, superior man): The moral ideal who cultivates virtue
- 恕 (shù, reciprocity): The principle of judging others as you'd judge yourself
- 修己 (xiū jǐ, self-cultivation): The foundation of ethical behavior

Social Harmony vs. Discord
The contrast between ancient and contemporary behavior shows how moral attitudes affect entire communities. Harsh criticism creates a toxic environment where virtue becomes difficult.

Cultural Context

Written during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), this essay reflects Han Yu's concern about moral decline among scholars. As a Confucian reformer, he believed restoring ancient virtues could solve social problems. The work exemplifies guwen (古文), the classical prose style he championed - direct, purposeful writing without artificial ornamentation.

"原毁" remains remarkably relevant today as it addresses universal human tendencies:
- The psychological ease of finding fault in others
- Our natural inclination toward self-justification
- How criticism can stifle positive behavior

The essay also demonstrates the Chinese cultural emphasis on self-reflection, seen in Confucius' saying: "When you see a worthy person, think of emulating them; when you see an unworthy person, examine yourself."

Conclusion

Though written over twelve centuries ago, "原毁" offers profound insights into human nature that transcend time and culture. Han Yu's analysis of slander and hypocrisy speaks to anyone who has witnessed online criticism, workplace politics, or social judgment. The essay's enduring power lies in its simple yet penetrating examination of why we criticize others - and how we might build a more virtuous society by first examining ourselves. As relevant today as in Tang Dynasty China, "原毁" reminds us that moral progress begins with holding ourselves to the standards we demand of others.