The Analects – Chapter 10.17

When getting into a carriage, Confucius always stood upright and firmly grasped the mounting strap. While inside the carriage, he never looked back over his shoulder, did not speak loudly, and never pointed with his finger.

Note

This passage from The Analects of Confucius exemplifies how Confucian ritual propriety extends even to mundane acts like riding in a carriage. Confucius’s conduct reflects three core ethical principles: self-composure, respect for others, and situational mindfulness. Standing upright and holding the strap shows dignity and physical discipline; avoiding backward glances prevents distraction and maintains focus on the journey ahead – symbolizing forward-looking moral purpose. Speaking softly preserves decorum and avoids startling others, while refraining from pointing demonstrates restraint and avoids rudeness or intrusion. These are not arbitrary rules but expressions of inner benevolence (humaneness) and reverence manifested through bodily conduct. In Confucian thought, true virtue is not confined to grand gestures but is cultivated through consistent, disciplined behavior in everyday life. The carriage becomes a microcosm of social order: one’s posture, speech, and gestures all contribute to harmony, safety, and mutual respect. Thus, even in motion, the junzi (noble person or gentleman) remains centered, respectful, and ethically present.

Further Reading

Do not talk while eating; do not speak while sleeping. Analects 10.8 (Xiang Dang)

Reinforces contextual restraint in speech – just as one is silent at meals, one speaks softly and minimally in a carriage to maintain decorum.

If the mat was not properly aligned, he would not sit. Analects 10.9 (Xiang Dang)

Both emphasize that ethical awareness governs even the smallest physical actions – proper seating and proper carriage conduct both reflect inner order.

“To restrain oneself and return to ritual is humaneness. Do not look, listen, speak, or move unless it accords with ritual.” Analects 12.1 (Yan Yuan)

Confucius’s behavior in the carriage is a direct embodiment of this principle – his gaze, speech, and gestures are all regulated by ritual.

升車，必正立執綏。車中，不內顧，不疾言，不親指。