Zuo Qiuming

Zuo Qiuming (Chinese: 左丘明; pinyin: Zuǒ Qiūmíng; Wade–Giles: Tso Ch'iuming, fl. 5th century BC) was a court writer of the State of Lu, and contemporary of Confucius during the Spring and Autumn Period of ancient. Note that it is uncertain whether his surname is Zuo or Zuoqiu, therefore the name may be written as Zuo Qiuming or Zuoqiu Ming. The influential historical text Zuo Zhuan (Commentary of Zuo) is traditionally attributed to him.[1] He is also possibly a contributor to Guoyu. One tradition according to Shiji holds that he became blind (cf. Homer).

Zuo Qiuming is quoted in the Analects to be a paragon of the conduct of Confucius:

子曰：「巧言、令色、足恭，左丘明恥之，丘亦恥之。匿怨而友其人，左丘明恥之，丘亦恥之.
The Master said, "Fine words, an insinuating appearance, and excessive respect - Zuo Qiuming was ashamed of them. I also am ashamed of them.
To conceal resentment against a person, and appear friendly with him - Zuo Qiuming was ashamed of such conduct. I also am ashamed of it. - Translation by James Legge

References

  1. ↑ Xing Lu (1998). Rhetoric in ancient China, fifth to third century, B.C.E.: a comparison with classical Greek rhetoric. University of South Carolina Press. p. 107. ISBN 1-57003-216-5.