This sentence means that people should practice their own justice instead of seeking small immediate interests, and should cultivate the things they believe in and not be eager to achieve results. Only then will the social atmosphere change. If it is violated, it will naturally be forbidden by the Dao.

Source: "Book of Han·Biography of Dong Zhongshu": A benevolent person will correct his friendship without seeking his own benefits, and he will know his way without considering his merits.

Correct: in line with the law.

Yi: Through "righteousness", appropriate morality and behavior.

Conspiracy: conspiracy.

Definition: Words and deeds are consistent with justice and do not seek personal gain.

"The distinction between justice and benefit" is an important proposition in the history of traditional Chinese thought, and the Confucian view of justice and benefit is particularly eye-catching. During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, Confucius said, "Think of righteousness when you see benefit" and "Think of righteousness when you see gain." He advocated righteousness before benefit, seeking benefit without violating righteousness.

The so-called "a gentleman is understood by righteousness, and a villain is understood by benefit", which sets an example for scholars and gentlemen to pursue a moral realm of life. Later, Mozi also said, "There is no wealth without righteousness, and there is no wealth without righteousness." "Gong", all of them are incisive and pure.

Among them, Han Confucian Dong Zi said, "A benevolent person corrects his friendship without seeking his own benefits, and knows his way without considering his merits." (Another version says, "A benevolent person corrects his ways without seeking his own benefits. He cultivates his way without seeking his own benefits." The principle of "do not rush to achieve results") also corresponds to the view of justice and benefit advocated by Confucius. It is of the same strain and has a profound influence on the later scholars and gentlemen who use their integrity to make good use of their lives, cultivate themselves, manage their families and govern the world, and improve their moral realm in life.

Extended information

The relationship between moral behavior and material interests. As a debate in ancient China on the relationship between moral behavior and material interests. Righteousness refers to thoughts and behaviors that conform to certain moral standards; benefit refers to interests and utilitarianism.

Dong Zhongshu inherited the thoughts of Confucius and Mencius and was a great Confucian in the Western Han Dynasty. Dong Zhongshu's view of "righteousness and benefit" was originally relatively comprehensive. However, his sentence of "correct friendship (righteousness) without seeking benefits, understand the way without considering its merits" was later questioned, criticized and criticized by many people.

Dong Zhongshu’s saying that “a benevolent man should maintain his friendship without pursuing his own interests, and understand his ways without considering his merits” is not a general statement, but has its specific pertinence. A benevolent gentleman only cares about morality (friendship) and does not seek utilitarianism.

Dong Zhongshu's words are based on the fact that "a gentleman is brave but has no right to cause chaos". Therefore, by praising the character of a "benevolent man", he hopes to eliminate the signs of courage and chaos in King Yi's heart and protect the country. stability and unity.

Even if this sentence is expanded, it can only be directed at rulers and officials at all levels, warning them not to be greedy for fame and self-interest, and to use selfish and evil thoughts to cause trouble and trouble, harm the country and the people; In terms of morality (friendship), everything is based on the stability and happiness of the country and the people. Therefore, Dong Zhongshu's words are not "broad" or "pedantic", but are also very educational and practical.