Zigong asked: "What manner of person may be called a true gentleman-scholar?" The Master said: "One who, in his personal conduct, is guided by a sense of shame, and when sent on missions to the four quarters of the realm, does not disgrace the mandate of his lord — such a one may be called a gentleman-scholar." Zigong said: "May I venture to ask about those of the next grade?" The Master said: "One whom his kinsfolk praise for filial piety and his fellow villagers praise for brotherly respect." Zigong said: "And the next?" The Master said: "One whose word can always be trusted, and whose actions always bear fruit — a man stubborn and unyielding as stone! Yet such a one may still be counted as of the next grade." Zigong said: "What of those who are in government today?" The Master said: "Alas! Such petty and narrow men — they are hardly worth taking into account!"