The Master said, “Firmness, resoluteness, simplicity, and cautious speech—these qualities bring one close to benevolence/humaneness.”
Note
This statement from The Analects of Confucius identifies four seemingly modest yet profoundly valuable traits—firmness (moral strength and perseverance), resoluteness (decisiveness in action), simplicity (unadorned sincerity), and cautious speech (reluctance to speak glibly)—as essential stepping stones toward benevolence, the highest Confucian virtue.
Confucius does not equate these traits with benevolence itself but says they “bring one close to benevolence” because they all reflect inner authenticity, self-restraint, and moral fortitude—qualities diametrically opposed to superficiality, hypocrisy, and weakness. For Confucius, although benevolence is lofty, it is not unattainable; it often takes root in humble, everyday conduct. Particularly in an era of social decay where eloquent but insincere speech was rampant, Confucius deliberately elevated undervalued qualities like “cautious speech” to counter the prevailing bias that prized rhetoric over genuine action. This view aligns with the Confucian ideal of being “slow in speech but quick in action”, underscoring that true virtue lies in deeds, not words.
Further Reading
The Master said, “The noble person wishes to be slow in speech but quick in action.” Analects 4.24 (Li Ren)
Directly supports the value of “cautious speech”and prioritizes action over eloquence—core to being “near benevolence.”
The Master said: “I have never seen anyone truly firm.” Someone replied: “Shen Cheng.” The Master said: “Cheng is full of desires—how can he be firm?” Analects 5.11
To be free of desire is to be firm. This “firmness” at its core is curbing selfish cravings and abiding by righteousness, and it shares the origin with the “firmness” in “being firm and resolute”.
Zengzi said, “A shi (scholar-official) must be broad-minded and resolute, for his burden is heavy and the road long.” Analects 8.7 (Tai Bo)
Highlights “resoluteness”as essential for moral commitment—directly overlapping with one of the four “near-benevolence” traits.
子曰：「剛毅、木訥，近仁。」
Leave a Reply