“To be able under all circumstances to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue; these five things are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness.”
Confucius taught five virtues a gentleman should practice every day to live a healthy, harmonious life:
Ren,
, is the virtue of benevolence, charity, and humanity;
Yi,
, of honesty and uprightness;
Yì may be broken down into zhong,
, doing one’s best, conscientiousness, loyalty; and
shù,
, reciprocity, altruism, consideration for others, and Confucius’ early version of the Golden Rule, “what you don’t want yourself, don’t do to others.”
Xin,
, the virtue of faithfulness and integrity; and,
Li,
, correct behavior, or propriety, good manners, politeness, ceremony, worship.