inner conviction

  • The Analects – Chapter 18.1

    Confucius names Weizi, Jizi and Bigan the three benevolent men of the Shang. Though they took vastly different paths—fleeing, feigning madness, dying in remonstrance—all acted out of loyal care for their state, showing benevolence allows flexible expedient choices.

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.35

    The Master sighed, “No one truly understands me!”Zigong asked, “Why is it that no one understands you?”The Master replied, “I do not blame Heaven, nor do I resent others. I study what is below and thereby penetrate what is above. Perhaps only Heaven truly understands me!”