SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

virtue

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.19

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    Ji Kangzi asked Confucius about governance, saying, “What if I execute those who are unprincipled in order to bring people onto the right path? How would that be?”Confucius replied, “In your governance, why resort to killing? If you yourself desire goodness, the people will become good. The virtue of the noble person is like…

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.18

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    Ji Kangzi was troubled by theft and asked Confucius for advice. Confucius replied, “If you yourself did not desire stolen goods, even if you offered rewards for stealing, people would not steal.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.17

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    Ji Kangzi asked Confucius about governance. Confucius replied, “The word ‘governance’ means ‘rectitude’. If you yourself lead by being upright, who would dare not to be upright?”

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.13

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    The Master said, “In hearing lawsuits, I am no different from others; what I truly aim for is that there be no lawsuits at all!”

  • The Analects – Chapter 9.18

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    Confucius said, “I have never seen anyone who loves virtue as much as they love beauty.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 9.5

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    Confucius was in danger when surrounded by people in Kuang. He said, “King Wen of Zhou is long gone – but is not the cultural tradition now embodied in me? If Heaven intended to destroy this culture, those born after him (including myself) would never have had access to it. Since Heaven has not…

  • The Analects – Chapter 9.1

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    Confucius rarely spoke about profit. He spoke much more often about fate (the Mandate of Heaven) and humaneness (benevolence).

  • Doctrine of the Mean Chapter 17. Virtue and the Mandate of Heaven

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    The Master said:“Was Shun not the epitome of filial piety?His virtue made him a sage; his honor made him Son of Heaven;he possessed the wealth of all within the Four Seas.He is honored in ancestral temples, and his descendants preserve his legacy.

  • The Doctrine of the Mean: Confucian Wisdom for Balance and Harmony

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    As one of the “Four Books” of Confucianism, The Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong) stands as a profound guide to living in harmony with oneself, others, and the natural order. Attributed to Zisi, the grandson of Confucius, this text was originally a chapter in the Book of Rites before being elevated to a standalone…