The word junzi ( or "Son of the Vassal, or Monarch") is a Chinese philosophical term often translated as "gentleman", "superior person", or "noble man". Since the characters are overtly gendered, the term is frequently translated as "gentleman"; gentry and distinguished/moral person are common gender-neutral translations. Traditionally referring to the "aristocratic nobility of the Zhou", Junzi is employed in the Book of Changes to mean a superior, ideal person who constantly cultivates virtue and improves their character, and by Confucius in his works to describe a virtuous person with noble characters.

In Confucianism

In Confucianism, the ideal personality is the , translated as saint or sage. However, since sagehood is unattainable for most people, Confucius articulated a less demanding ideal of a cultured and moral life, using the term —originally denoting a member of the nobility—to refer to anyone who embodies this ideal, regardless of social status. acts according to to bring about , which Confucianism maintains should rule the home, society, and the state. primarily has to do with social expectations, both in terms of the formal behavior and the execution of religious rites and imperial ceremonies also proper conduct in human relationships. Confucius considered a to be someone who embodies humanity – one who possesses a totality of the highest human qualities. He elaborated that embody the concept of and outlined specific qualities they have, recorded by his disciples in the Analects. A embodies moral superiority by adhering to the ritual code of the tradition, displaying respect and dignity towards others, and striving for virtues such as humility, sincerity, trustworthiness, righteousness, and compassion. Zhu Xi categorized the as second only to the sage.

have many characteristics. A does not compromise his virtues even in poverty; a 's actions speaks louder than his words; a is loyal, obedient and knowledgeable. A disciplines himself. According to Mencius, ren is the core virtue of a .

The concept and term of were used as Chinese proverbs. An example is , which roughly means "A brings out the best in people".

Governance

As the potential leader of a nation and country, the son of the ruler is raised to express superior ethical and moral positions while gaining inner peace through virtue. To Confucius, the sustained the functions of government and social stratification through his ethical values. Despite its literal meaning, any righteous man willing to improve himself can become a .

The rules by acting virtuously himself. It is thought that his pure virtue would lead others to follow his example. The ultimate goal is that government behaves much like family. Thus at all levels filial piety promotes harmony and the acts as a beacon for this piety.

Junzi and xiaoren

By contrast the does not grasp the value of virtues and seeks only immediate personal gain. The scoundrel, or petty person, is and does not consider the consequences of his/her actions. Should the ruler or state be surrounded by as opposed to , governance and the people will suffer due to their selfish small-mindness. Examples of such individuals can range from those who indulge in self-satisfying sensual and emotional pleasures and gains to the career politician who is interested merely in power and fame rather than the long-term benefit of others. There are many expressions in Confucius' writings that contrast the two, for instance:

See also

• Confucianism

• Five Classics - five ancient Chinese texts forming the core of the Confucian canon

• Four arts - four scholarly accomplishments of ancient Chinese gentleman

• Four Gentlemen - four plants depicted in art as symbols of Confucian virtues

• Four Sages - four eminent Confucian figures

• - Aristotle’s virtue of “greatness of soul”

• New Man (utopian concept) - utopian concept of creating an ideal “new” human archetype across various religious and political ideologies

References

Bibliography

External links

Lunyu 論語, The Analects; the Database of Religious History, at https://religiondatabase.org/browse/1063/#/