The Analects – Chapter 178 (7.30). Benevolence at Hand: Confucius on the immediate attainability of virtue

7.30

The Master said, “Is benevolence indeed so far away? If we really wanted benevolence, we should find that it was at our very side.”

子曰：「仁遠乎哉？我欲仁，斯仁至矣。」

Notes

This statement from the Analects by Confucius by no means denies the loftiness of benevolence, but rather emphasizes its attainability. Benevolence does not belong exclusively to sages or elites. It can manifest in every thought and action of every person. The realization of benevolence depends not on others’ judgment, but on each moment of active practice.

This teaching remains revolutionary: True virtue begins the instant we choose it.

“Is there anyone who has devoted their efforts to benevolence for even a single day? I have never seen anyone who lacked the strength to do so. Perhaps such people exist, but I have not encountered them.”(Analects 4.6)

Confucius pointed out that practicing benevolence is never a matter of lacking the capacity; it is purely a matter of willingness or unwillingness. This reinforces the conviction that “as soon as one desires benevolence, benevolence is attained” – benevolence is not an unattainable feat, but an inner choice that can be activated in a single moment of resolve.

“To overcome the self and return to the rites is benevolence. If one can overcome the self and return to the rites for a single day, all under heaven will ascribe benevolence to him. Practicing benevolence depends on oneself – how could it depend on others?”(Analects 12.1)

The key to benevolence lies in “overcoming the self” – restraining one’s own desires to conform to the norms of propriety – and its practice depends entirely on oneself, not on external factors. This is highly consistent with the idea that “as soon as one desires benevolence, benevolence is attained”, as both emphasize that the initiative to pursue benevolence resides within oneself, not in external circumstances.