Conducting Oneself in Life
171. A man of noble character (Junzi), by virtue of his benevolence, is fit to become a leader. He facilitates propitious meetings or feasts in accordance with propriety, thereby enabling propriety to be promoted. He provides benefits for others in accordance to the way of right-eousness, and by such righteous acts and firmness, he is able to accomplish all tasks.
Scroll 1: Zhou Yi
172. Confucius commented that Zichan has four of the characteristics of a Junzi: In his conduct, he is humble; in serving his riors, he is respectful; in providing assistance for the people, he is kind; and in deploying the people to carry out public services, he is just.
Scroll 9: Lun Yu
173. Confucius said: “Similar sounds resonate well with one another while similar scents attract each other. Water flows toward the wetland and fire burns at a dry place. Auspicious clouds rise with a dragon’s cry; the valley winds tail a tiger’s roar. When a sage appears, all men will look up to him, adore him, and follow his guidance and teachings. ”
Scroll 1: Zhou Yi
174. The oracle of Gen艮 denotes that a man of noble character (Junzi) acts according to its divination and put a restraint on his desires; does not go in his thoughts beyond the duties called for by his positions. (He respects the authority of the person-in-charge.)
Scroll 1: Zhou Yi
175. If the nobility could treat the lowly people with humility, no one would dislike them. If the wealthy could assist the poor and needy, no poor people would dislike them. If wise men could provide guidance to the ignorant, no ignorant people would dislike them.
Scroll 8: Han Shi Wai Zhuan
176. Confucius said: “If a noble and wealthy person is humble, would anyone dislike his company? If a noble and wealthy person could love and care for others, would they distance themselves from him? If man’s speech is reasonable and does not contradict humanity, then he is regarded as an eloquent person.”
Scroll 10: Kong Zi Jia Yu
177. Is it not too foolish to put our lives and the lives of our parents and family members at stake just because of a fit of anger?
Scroll 9: Lun Yu
178. If a man of noble character (Junzi) has a reasonable plan yet not beneficial to the country, he will not express his idea. If he has a talent, yet not constructive for the country, then he will never make use of it. A Junzi does not talk much, but he will always try his best to remonstrate for the benefit of his country. He dislikes assuming too many responsibilities, but he will take on certain tasks for the sake of his country.
Scroll 37: Yin Wen Zi