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A gentleman understands what is right; a petty person understands what is profitable.

September 05, 2024

“The mind of the superior man is conversant with righteousness; the mind of the mean man is conversant with gain. ” This is at the core of Chinese culture!

The Master said,“The mind of the superior man is conversant with righteousness; the mind of the mean man is conversant with gain.”


This means that a person of virtue values morality and righteousness, whereas a selfish and mean person always places personal gain first.


Human nature tends towards profit, yet history is replete with examples of individuals who have prioritized righteousness over personal interests.


In modern society, pursuing personal interests is a natural right. However, if someone can forsake morality, have no sense of awe, and disregard family ties for their own benefit, such a person is never reliable and close!


The discussion on the connotations and mutual relationship between "righteousness" and "profit" has always been one of the main topics in Confucian ethical thought.


In the Analects, the "righteousness" (义yì ) in “The mind of the superior man is conversant with righteousness " refers to moral principles, which are the ethical standards and moral doctrines that a gentleman should follow. This concept of "righteousness" is closely related to other concepts like "benevolence" (仁rén), "propriety" (礼lǐ), "wisdom" (智zhì), and "trustworthiness" (信xìn). It is an important concept in Confucian thought, emphasizing the relationships between people and moral behavior.


Moreover, "righteousness" (义yì) is a concept frequently mentioned in the Analects. Confucius and his disciples discussed and expounded upon "righteousness" in various contexts. For example, Confucius says in Analects (Lǐ Rén): " I daily examine myself on three points: -- whether, in transacting business for others, I may have been not faithful; --- whether, in intercourse with friends, I may have been not sincere; ---- whether I may have not mastered and practiced the instructions of my teacher.” Here, " faithful " and " sincere " are manifestations of "righteousness."
In the Analects, the "profit" (利lì) in " the mind of the mean man is conversant with gain." refers to personal gain or self-interest, indicating that a petty person only cares about their own interests and neglects morality and righteousness. Here, "profit" is a concept that contrasts with "righteousness," and there is a conflict between the two.
Furthermore, the Analects often mention "profit," but mostly in contrast with "righteousness," emphasizing that a gentleman's actions should be guided by morality rather than personal gain.


The conflict of interests directly reflects the true character of a person. " People from all over the world flock together for profit, and hustle about for it." The instinct of human nature is to pursue profit; everyone has self-interest and everyone wants to maximize their own benefit. Yet, before the temptation of profit, those who remain unmoved and uphold their moral principles will do everything particularly smoothly. Even if they encounter difficulties temporarily, others will help them, eventually leading to success. Such a person's character is admirable, and such a friend is one we should deeply associate with and trust.
If a person can still adhere to their inner principles and morals in the face of profit, without disregarding familial bonds and placing the overall situation as the priority, then this person is definitely worth befriending.

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