1. Humanity
Confucius
defined humanity in the following ways:
A: To love people, especially one's parents.
B: Not asking others to do what you would rather not do.
C: To behave automatically with the nature of propriety by promoting
moral sense.
D: To have unbending desire to accomplish what is right regardless
of how insignificant the result may initially seem when compared
to the amount of effort put forth.
E. To value others' honor before your own.
F. To put others' freedom before your own. To
implement humanity he said one should:
1) Practice utmost prudence, modesty and discretion in everyday
life.
2) Devote oneself to assigned work be it large or small.
3) Demonstrate sincerity with whole-heartedness to others at
all times.
2. Righteousness
The ability to feel ashamed of unjust
acts and to do one's duty to others.
Righteousness is defined in the act of a certain army general
depicted in the book of 'War Manual' written about 2,400 years
ago: A general was taking a break from the grueling war with
his soldiers by a river bank when an aide brought him a small
carafe of wine for his refreshment. He took the carafe and slowly
emptied it into the flowing river in full view of the puzzled
soldiers and invited them to share the wine with him by taking
a sip of the water from the river.
As to righteousness - Manfucius claimed it to be the fundamental
virtue to be observed by a human being. Confucius said, "It
is the supportive measure employed to enhance humanity thought
to be the highest degree of virtue."
3. Propriety
Unlike animals fighting over food,
a courteous man would offer another man a piece of bread even
though both were starving, out of respect and good manners.
Confucius said, "Propriety must be practiced for the proper
development of personality, and whoever lacks sincerity in his
words, cannot be considered a gentleman."
He also said:
"Honesty without courtesy can be rather ruthless."
"Respectfulness without courtesy can make the recipient
rather uncomfortable."
"Courageosness without courtesy can be rather violent."
"Prudence without courtesy can be rather cowardish."
4. Wisdom
The ability to judge right from
wrong, not especially in matters concerning the right and wrong
of others but in matters concerning oneself.
A wise man once said to his sons, "No matter how small
it is you should not do what you realize is wrong. On the other
hand you must do what is right no matter how small it may seem."
5. Trust
The ability to keep one's words
and promises, not only to one's friends but to everyone in general.
Without trust a person loses all principles and dignities and
becomes a liar and a cheater. |
