The Analects – Chapter 30 (2.14). Inclusive integrity vs. Factional bias

The Master said: “The noble person practices inclusive integrity — they embrace all with impartial care, avoiding factional alliances. The petty person forms exclusive cliques — they bond through self-interest, lacking ethical consistency.

子曰：「君子周而不比，小人比而不周。」

Notes

This contrast from the Analects reveals Confucius’ view of moral leadership:

• The noble man’s inclusivity: Acting with universal fairness, prioritizing principles over personal ties
• The petty man’s partiality: Building power through biased networks that compromise justice

This teaching remains a timeless framework for ethical conduct in relationships, governance, and professional environments.