The Analects – Chapter 68 (4.2). Benevolence as the moral anchor

4.2

The Master said, “Without benevolence a man

Cannot for long endure adversity,
Cannot for long enjoy prosperity.

The benevolent man rests content with benevolence; he that is merely wise pursues benevolence in the belief that it pays to do so.”

子曰：「不仁者不可以久處約，不可以長處樂。仁者安仁，知者利仁。」

Notes

Confucius said: “Without benevolence, one cannot endure adversity, nor abide in ease. Those of benevolence find peace in benevolence; the wise pursue benevolence for its benefit.”

“It is benevolence that gives to a neighbourhood its beauty.”(Analects 4.1)

This statement from the Analects reveals benevolence as an inner moral anchor – true cultivation enables steadfast integrity in both prosperity and hardship.

The unvirtuous(not benevolent): Base “happiness” solely on external conditions (wealth/poverty, gain/loss), lacking moral autonomy.

“Cannot endure prolonged adversity;
Cannot sustain lasting ease.”

“Benevolence is the secure home of humanity; Righteousness is the correct path for human life. Yet some people leave this secure home vacant and abandon the right path unused – how truly sorrowful! (Mencius 7.10)

The virtuous: “Abide peacefully in benevolence” — their contentment springs from living by benevolence, independent of circumstance.

The wise: “Practice benevolence wisely” — understand its intrinsic benefit and choose it actively.