“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.