THE NOBLE MAN
THE NOBLE MAN

《君子》

Literally “son of a noble,” but through Kongzi’s use came to mean “noble in character.” This is attainable through man’s efforts, no longer reliant on bloodline or spirits, thus giving birth to proper humanism. “Noble man” can also be translated as “superior man” or “gentleman,” in contrast with the “inferior man” or “petty man.” It is the virtuous standard of the school.

jūnzǐ 君子: “noble man”

Junzi is a name for one who has attained virtue. The ‘noble man’ establishes the root and cultivates the moral qualities, whereas the petty man (xiaoren 小人) disregards moral law and does violence to his nature. He discerns rightness by humanity, rectifies his public mind, practices principle, and awaits Heaven’s Fate (tianming 天命), whereas the private mind of the petty man only seeks profit.

① Junzi is a term for those who have attained virtue. – Zhu Xi, The Discourses with Collected Commentaries 1:1, tr. Sol

君子，成德之名。

② The noble man focuses his efforts on the root (e.g. family). When the root is established, the Way will grow lifelong. – Youzi, Discourses 1:2, tr. Sol

君子務本，本立而道生。

③ When a noble man encounters difficulties or obstacles, he always examines himself to see if these are results of his own mistakes. If he is in any way wrong, he corrects his mistake, and if there is nothing to be ashamed of, he makes an increasing effort. This is the way to cultivate one’s virtue. – Cheng Yi, Reflections on Things at Hand 2:11, tr. Chan modified

君子之遇艱阻，必自省於身，有失而致之乎?有所未善則改之，無歉於心則加勉，乃自修其德也。

④ The noble man understands rightness; the small man understands profit. – Kongzi, Discourses 4:16, tr. Sol

君子喻於義，小人喻於利。