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The Proper Conduct of a Confucian Scholar
(Clearwisdom.net) When Lu Aigong asked Confucius about the code of
conduct for a Confucian scholar, Confucius replied: "A Confucian scholar
lives a dignified life. He has a respectful manner when sitting or standing, his
speech is trustworthy, and his behavior is not devious. He does not take risky
short cuts for the sake of convenience. He does not strive for the comforts of
life. He treasures life and waits for the opportunity to maximize his
potential." "A Confucian scholar does not regard gold and jade as treasures, but
values loyalty and honesty. He does not desire to possess land, but establishes
virtue and chivalry as the foundation of his lot. He does not seek to amass
material goods, but acquires profound knowledge as wealth. To a Confucian
scholar, duty comes first, and the rewards come later. It is easy to accommodate
and to provide for him. A Confucian scholar does not cooperate on matters that
are not upright. This is how a Confucian scholar conducts himself with others. "A Confucian scholar will not compromise one's integrity for personal
gain. When he encounters intimidation from the masses or threats from the
military force, he holds on to his moral principles until death. A Confucian
scholar does not make the wrong remarks twice, and he does not investigate
rumors. He always maintains a dignified demeanor and appearance, and makes quick
decisions when things need to be done. This is the way a Confucian scholar
uniquely establishes himself in the world." "Loyalty and honesty are his helmets; etiquette and justice are his
shields; benevolence and righteousness are the measurement of his conduct in
life. Even tyrannical politics will not change his integrity. This is how a
Confucian scholar conducts himself in society." "If a senior official accepts his suggestion, then he firmly believes in
it, and fully devotes himself. However, if the senior official does not adopt
his idea, he does not use flattery or try hard to please him. This is the way a
Confucian scholar handles politics." "A Confucian scholar has extensive knowledge but continues to study
diligently, and possesses sincerity and honesty but constantly improves his
moral character. He does not indulge himself when he is not successful, and
follows the righteous path even when his government career is smooth. He acts
according to the etiquettes that are based on harmony and peace. He considers
loyalty and honesty as virtues, and tolerance and mercifulness as the law. He
admires the virtuous and accepts everyone. This is the tolerant characteristic
of a Confucian scholar." "Upon hearing helpful speeches, a Confucian scholar will tell everyone,
and when he sees beneficial things, he will point them out. When a title of
nobility is being offered, he yields to others. When faced with dangers and
difficulties, he does not avoid them. When a promotion is being offered, he
awaits his friend to be promoted. If the friend lives far away, he tries to
invite and to recruit his friend. This is how a Confucian scholar recommends a
friend." "Gentleness and goodness are the roots of benevolence. Respect and
prudence are the soil of benevolence. Magnanimity and tolerance are the power of
benevolence. Etiquette and civility are the outer appearance of benevolence.
Words and speech are the cultural qualities of benevolence. Song and music are
the harmony of benevolence. Charity and generosity are the deeds of benevolence.
A Confucian scholar possesses all of the above virtues, yet he does not dare to
claim that he has reached the level of benevolence. These are the traits of
humility and modesty of a Confucian scholar." "A Confucian scholar does not lose his aspirations when he is poor or
destitute, and does not relinquish his integrity when he is wealthy and honored.
He does not renounce his moral values when the ruler is condescending and
insulting, when the high official is intervening, or when the government
official is creating obstacles. Therefore, he is called a Confucian. People
nowadays have the wrong views regarding Confucians. They often use the term
Confucian scholar to ridicule others." After hearing Confucius' words, Lu Aigong made sure his words were sincere
and honest, and that his behavior was righteous. He added: "I will not dare
to joke about the Confucian scholars for the rest of my life." From The Book of Rites. July 2, 2006 Posting date: 7/18/2006 |