Zilu 子路 (542-480), actual name Zhong You 仲由, courtesy name Zhong
Zilu 仲子路 or Jilu 季路, was one of the ten wise disciples of
Confucius (Kong men shi zhe 孔門十哲). He came from Bian 卞 (modern
Sishui 泗水, Shandong) in the state of Lu 魯 and grew up under very
poor conditions. He was the oldest of Confucius' followers,
himself being only nine years younger than the Master. Asked for
his greatest wish by Confucius, he said that "I would have to
like chariots and horses, and light fur dresses to share them
with my friends, and though they spoil them, I would not be
displeased". He was of a straightforward, courageous and
decisive character, but also coarse, uncultivated, bold and
soldierly. Zilu was not very fond of academic discussion, and
asked "why one must read books before one can be considered to
have learned". Confucius therefore said, "He has ascended to the
hall, though he has not yet passed into the inner apartments",
and he told Zilu that "there is the love of being benevolent
without the love of learning, so