This Han Feizi excerpt defines the “great man” as wise. It teaches choosing genuine sincerity and rational principle over superficial ritual and impulsive action.
The Master said, “A person of virtue will surely have meaningful words; but one who has words is not necessarily virtuous. A humane (benevolent) person will surely possess courage; but a courageous person is not necessarily humane.”
5.5 Someone said, “Ran Yong is benevolent, but he is a poor talker.”
4.10 The Master said, “A gentleman in his dealings with the world has neither enmities nor affections; but wherever he sees righteousness he ranges himself beside it.”
The Master said,” I can talk to Yan Hui a whole day without his ever differing from me. One would think he was stupid. But if I enquire into his private conduct when he is not with me I find that it fully demonstrates what I have taught him. No, Hui is by no…
Trying to curry favour with individual is not as good as promoting public morality. Making new friends is not as good as consolidating old friendships. Creating a vainglorious reputation for oneself is not as good as quietly cultivating virtues. Advocating flamboyant behaviour and extraordinary deeds is not as good as acting cautiously in everyday…