ABSTRACT

The Master said, “The man of true virtue [jūnzi 君子] seeks improvement and builds up his accomplishments. His heart does not waver and he is trustworthy [xìn 信]; that is how he seeks improvement. He attends to his words and establishes his sincerity; that is how he can build up his accomplishments. He knows how far he can go, and goes as he can; hence he is in tune with the minutest signs of things. He knows the time to stop, and he stops in time; hence he can maintain his righteousness. Therefore he is not proud when in a high position, nor worried when in a low one. In this way he can be active and in strong spirit all day long, and can remain vigilant and prudent as the time requires; even though he may encounter danger, he will suffer no misfortune.“ 26