appropriateness

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 20.4

    This Han Feizi excerpt defines righteousness as rule-based, purposeful conduct. It upholds social hierarchy and proper roles, distinct from spontaneous benevolence.

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.13

    Confucius asked Gongming Jia about Gongshu Wenzi, saying, “Is it true that your master never speaks, never laughs, and never takes anything?”Gongming Jia replied, “The person who told you that exaggerated. In fact, my master speaks only when the time is right – so people do not dislike his words; he laughs only when…