 A name is that which is used to name an actuality. When an actuality has been established, its name follows after it; it is not the case that a name is established and then its actuality follows after it. Thus if a long shape is established, then it will be named “long”, and if a short shape is established, it will be named “short”. It is not the case that the names “long” and “short” are first established and then the long and short shapes follow after them. That which Confucius valued were those “names” which truly name actualities. In so valuing names, he thereby valued actualities. Names are tied to actualities just as plants are tied to the seasons. In the spring, plants blossom into flower; in summer, they are covered in leaves; in autumn, their foliage withers and falls; and in winter, they bear fruit. This is not acting for a specific purpose and yet the plant completes itself. If a plant is forced, its natural tendencies will be harmed. It is the same with names. Hence, false name makers are all those who would harm names. People are aware only of the good that is done by names and are ignorant of the bad that is done by false name makers. (Zhonglun 11.5, Makeham [trans.] 2002: 149–150)