佛祖歷代通載 5.61

5.61

問曰。如子之言。徒當學辨達修言論。豈復治情性履道德乎。牟子曰。何難悟之甚乎。夫言語談論各有時也。蘧瑗曰。國有道則直。國無道則卷而懷之。寧武子曰。國有道則智。國無道則愚。孔子曰。可與言而不與言失人。不可與言而與言失言。故智愚自有時。談論各有意。何為當言論而不行哉。

Question: "According to your words, sir, one should merely study eloquent discourse and cultivate discussions. How could one further regulate one's emotions and nature or tread the Dao and virtue?"

Mouzi said: "How excessively difficult it is for you to awaken! Speech and discussion each have their proper time. Qu Yuan said, 'When the state possesses the Way, one is straightforward; when the state lacks the Way, one rolls up [one's principles] and keeps them in one's bosom.' Ning Wuzi said, 'When the state possesses the Way, one shows wisdom; when the state lacks the Way, one shows foolishness.' Confucius said, 'To fail to speak with someone who can be spoken with is to lose a person; to speak with someone who cannot be spoken with is to lose one's words.' Therefore, wisdom and foolishness naturally have their proper times; discussions each have their intention. Why must one engage in discussion without putting it into practice?"