confucianvirtues

Confucian theory of virtue

A. Virtues toward others

1. Faithful (1:4, 1:8)

2. Virtues of jen: serious, generous, sincere, diligent, and kind

3. Reciprocity (altruism, likening-to-others: the Golden Rule): What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others (5:11, 12:2, 15:23)

4. Repay kindness with kindness, injury with justice (14:36)

B. Virtues toward family, friends

1. Filial piety: obedience, reverence, service to parents and elders

2. Fraternal submission: service, truthworthiness to equals

3. These obligations override others (13:18)

4. These virtues are the root of jen (1:2)

C. Virtues of Self

(Knowledge--> Virtuous thought --> Virtuous feelings --> Virtuous action)

1. Knowledge

a. love learning

b. know "way" (tao: 15.28, 1.14, 1.15, 11.11.)

2. Thought

a. sincere

b. humble

3. Feeling (love virtue: love way, delight in way)

4. Action

a. careful, slow in speech

b. mild, at ease, composed, warm, satisfied

c. earnest, respectful, dignified, majestic

d. not partisan, not small-minded, not concerned with gain; follows what is right

Virtues are means between extremes.

For example, a generous person gives to others the right amount, in the right circumstances, to the right person, and for the right reason

Nine virtues as means between extremes