Next comes “attending to particulars”.
Through focused sincerity in specific matters, one attains sincerity;
sincerity becomes manifest;
manifestation becomes evident;
evidence becomes luminous;
luminosity moves others;
movement brings transformation;
transformation leads to full moral transformation.
Only the supremely sincere person under heaven can achieve this transformative power.
其次致曲。曲能有誠，誠則形，形則著，著則明，明則動，動則變，變則化。唯天下至誠為能化。
Note
This chapter continues the path of “illumination leading to sincerity” discussed earlier, focusing specifically on how ordinary people – unlike sages – can gradually attain supreme sincerity and transformative influence through “attending to particulars”.
The term “particulars” refers to a single aspect, detail, or specific virtue (e.g., filial piety, loyalty, trustworthiness). Since ordinary individuals cannot embody all virtues perfectly at once, they are advised to concentrate deeply on one dimension of moral practice. As Zhu Xi explains in his Commentary on the Doctrine of the Mean: “Ordinary people cannot fully manifest the whole, but by extending sincerity in one matter or thing, they can still achieve success.” This reflects the Confucian emphasis on pragmatic self-cultivation: not seeking instant perfection, but valuing persistent, focused daily practice.
The seven-stage progression – sincerity > manifestation > evidence > luminosity > movement > transformation > full moral transformation – depicts the dynamic expansion of moral cultivation from inner self to outer society:
- Sincerity: inner authenticity, free from pretense;
- Manifestation: virtue begins to appear in words and deeds;
- Evidence: it becomes clearly visible;
- Luminosity: its radiance inspires others;
- Movement: it stirs others’ hearts;
- Transformation: it changes their conduct;
- Full Transformation: it reshapes character and social ethos at a deep level.
This sequence underscores a key Confucian insight: sincerity is not a private, inward state but a potent moral energy with the power to move and transform the world. Even if it begins in something small, sustained sincerity can ultimately “unite the will of all under heaven”.
The concluding line – “Only the supremely sincere can achieve transformation” – clarifies that true moral transformation is not coercion or persuasion, but natural, gentle influence like spring rain nurturing growth. Only those whose sincerity is complete, selfless, and perfectly aligned with Heavenly Principle – the “supremely sincere” – can reach this state. Yet this is not merely praise for sages; it is also guidance for ordinary people: through the path of “attending to particulars”, everyone can approach supreme sincerity and participate in the cosmic work of transformation.
Thus, this chapter vividly embodies the Confucian spirit of “learning from below to ascend upward”: starting from the concrete, guided by sincerity, one may ultimately assist in the nurturing creativity of Heaven and Earth.
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