A gentleman should have benevolence in his heart. Gentleman is a very commonly used title in our culture. In our ordinary people's concept, a gentleman is a person with perfect personality. People who are polite, loyal, benevolent, cultivated and upright are called gentlemen. On the contrary, they are called villains. A gentleman is one who has no personality stains and has very high standards for behavior and morality. In our daily lives, the concept of a gentleman is also very popular. So-and-so has the demeanor of a gentleman, so-and-so is ungentlemanly, and so-and-so is a villain. There are also many common sayings nowadays, such as: "With a villain's heart, a gentleman's house is saved", "A gentleman's revenge is never too late in ten years" and so on. In everyone's mind, there seems to be a clear and clear understanding. But what exactly is a gentleman is a specific concept, but it is difficult to explain clearly. But there is always a clear judgment in my heart. (Is this true?) It shows that the concept of the gentleman is deeply integrated into our blood and has formed a deep cultural and psychological structure. So the idea of ??a gentleman is what we have become a characteristic of Chinese culture.

The formation of this characteristic of the gentleman's concept mainly comes from the Analects of Confucius. There are many references to gentleman in the Analects. At the same time, through the explanation of the gentleman in the Analects of Confucius, the concept of the gentleman has been deeply integrated into Chinese culture, and has also profoundly affected the character and thinking of the Chinese people. It plays a fundamental role in the formation of the Chinese personality world. Of course, the concept of a gentleman has long existed in Chinese culture. For example, in the Book of Songs and the Book of Monks, the gentleman is often mentioned. For example: "A gentleman has no leisure." ("Book of Songs") and as everyone knows, such as "A gentle lady, a gentleman likes to fight." ("The Book of Songs") and so on. After the elaboration of Confucius and his disciples, this ancient concept became more commonly used and popular, and it was also endowed with richer connotations.

Let’s start from the first sentence in the opening of the Analects of Confucius: “If a person does not know but is not stunned, he is not a gentleman!” ("Xue Er"). First Confucius talked about the joy of learning, the friendship and joy between friends, and then he talked about the gentleman. It can be seen that Confucius attached great importance to learning, happiness, and the concept of a gentleman. Most of us will inevitably feel very angry when others do not understand or misunderstand, and Confucius tells us, "People do not know and are not surprised." It is "not a gentleman!" In this case, do not do it If you are angry and complain, you can be said to be a gentleman. This kind of behavior is the quality displayed by a gentleman and has the qualities of a gentleman. Of course it is not easy to do. Therefore, Confucius believed that those with this quality can also be said to be gentlemen. We also know that in the Book of Changes, there is a very famous saying: "The movement of heaven is vigorous, and a gentleman is constantly striving for self-improvement." A gentleman is constantly striving for self-improvement, just like the movement of heaven and earth, so a gentleman also imitates the way of heaven. From the above two examples, we can see that a gentleman is not only manifested in daily life, but is also connected with the way of heaven.

Confucius often mentioned the name gentleman. In the Analects of Confucius, there are many references to the gentleman. Confucius praised the gentleman even more and gave a broad and in-depth interpretation of the meaning of the gentleman. Although the concept of a gentleman has long been formed in ancient times. It was probably first used to refer to people with positions, and gradually it became a term for educated people. In Confucius, the meaning of a gentleman became very clear, and it mainly refers to a person who is moral, well-educated, has a perfect personality and a noble sentiment. Others and his disciples also called Confucius a gentleman, and Confucius also called himself a gentleman several times. There are still people in power who are called gentlemen. Confucius criticized this kind of people who are called gentlemen because of their status. But at that time, the symbolism of a gentleman due to his status and position was already very small. As we mentioned before, the concept of a gentleman based on morality is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and it is the same in contemporary times. In other words, people’s concept of a gentleman today is similar to Confucius’ concept of a gentleman. Let’s understand Confucius’ concept of a gentleman and the meaning of a gentleman in Chinese culture through the analysis and investigation of the gentleman in the Analects of Confucius.

In the Analects of Confucius, Confucius discussed the meaning of a gentleman from many perspectives. Let’s start with the nature of a gentleman. Confucius said: "If a gentleman abandons benevolence, is it bad to become famous? A gentleman will never violate benevolence. He will make mistakes and be wrong." ("Li Ren") We know that "benevolence" is the core concept and concept in Confucius' thought. value. Confucius believed that "benevolence" is the essence of a gentleman. This means that if a gentleman leaves benevolence, how can he still be called a gentleman? Of course he is not a gentleman. A gentleman never leaves benevolence for a moment. He is integrated with benevolence and is inseparable. It is also said that "a gentleman's righteousness is the quality, etiquette is used to practice it, grandchildren are born out of it, and faith is used to achieve it. What a gentleman!" ("Wei Linggong") believes that righteousness is the quality of a gentleman, and righteousness and benevolence are both the essence of a gentleman. As a gentleman, righteousness is the foundation, quality, propriety, and integrity. Faith is the modification of a gentleman's behavior and his character. Confucius said: "Being polite and courteous is what makes a gentleman." Having benevolence and righteousness, and then embellishing it with courtesy and humility, in fact, in Confucius's eyes, he is a true gentleman! So Confucius said, "You are a gentleman!" This affirmation of the meaning of a gentleman. Confucius also said: "A gentleman regards righteousness as the highest priority." ("Wei Linggong") believes that righteousness is a fundamental quality of a gentleman. Our society now also emphasizes the role of benevolence and righteousness, and the foundation of the gentleman's concept is still consistent with Confucius' thought. According to Confucius, benevolence and righteousness are the essence of a gentleman.

Confucius also discussed a lot about the character of a gentleman. Confucius said: He said: "A gentleman reaches up, and a villain reaches down." ("Xianwen") It is believed that the life of a gentleman develops and extends upward, while the life of a villain is just the opposite, and his life develops and extends downward. "Go down to learn and go up to achieve" is Confucius's philosophy of life. His studies, education, articles, and politics are all for the purpose of reaching higher levels. The purpose is to become a gentleman. Confucius's gentleman has a progressive quality. Confucius also said: "A gentleman is magnanimous and magnanimous, and a villain has a long-term relationship." A gentleman is magnanimous, upright, broad-minded, and has nothing to hide from others. This kind of magnanimity not only refers to magnanimity in life, but also magnanimity in mentality and cultivation. With this kind of magnanimity, we can naturally take it easy. Villains, on the other hand, are not the same. They often feel sad and sad, and have problems with their minds, which is also the reason why they are not open-minded enough. They also feel afraid and ashamed of committing crimes and other things that go against their conscience. Through the comparison between the gentleman and the villain, Confucius further reflected the upright and enterprising character of the gentleman.

Sima Niu was always very sad. Once he asked Confucius what a gentleman was. Confucius replied: "A gentleman is neither worried nor afraid." (Sima Niu) said: "Doesn't worry or be afraid? How can I call him a gentleman?" Confucius said: "If you look inward and don't feel guilty, why should you worry or be afraid?" It is to tell Sima Niu not to worry, because this is not in line with the quality of a gentleman. Therefore, happiness is also a character of a gentleman. When the state of Chen was short of food, Zilu came to see Confucius very unhappy and said, "Can a gentleman be poor?" Zilu believed that a gentleman would never be poor. Confucius said to Zilu: "The gentleman is poor, and the villain is poor." ("Wei Linggong") Confucius explained to Zilu that a gentleman has ethics and sticks to his ethics even when he is in poverty, unlike others. Villains will lose their integrity and do whatever they want when faced with difficulties. This is also a manifestation of the noble character of a gentleman.

In Confucius’ view, the characteristics of a gentleman are expressed through thoughts and actions. Let’s first look at the gentleman’s thoughts. That is what a gentleman thinks. Confucius said: "A gentleman is ashamed of his words but goes beyond his actions." ("Xianwen") A gentleman has a sense of shame. (We often talk about the Eight Honors and Eight Disgraces in schools now. If you can do it, you can be said to be a gentleman. !) Confucius believed that a gentleman is a person who keeps his word and deeds consistent, and would feel ashamed of talking nonsense and making clever words. Of course, ordinary normal people will feel ashamed of such exaggerated words, so according to Confucius's standards, it seems that it is not difficult for a gentleman to do so. Confucius also said: "A gentleman is sick and incompetent, because he does not know it." ("Wei Linggong") A gentleman is worried about his own inability, not worried about others not knowing about him. This principle also applies to ourselves. We ourselves should also care about whether we have talents and knowledge, rather than others knowing very well about us. If you achieve this, you can be said to be a gentleman. Is it difficult? Of course it's not difficult. Of course, there are also things that are more difficult for a gentleman to do. A gentleman is always concerned about moral matters in his heart. Confucius said: "A gentleman cherishes virtue, while a villain cherishes earth; a gentleman cherishes punishment, while a villain cherishes kindness." ("Li Ren") ), that is, they always care about the governance and order of society, while villains only care about their own land and property, as well as their own personal interests. Therefore, the gentleman's usual intentions are higher than those of the villain. Confucius also said: "The gentleman understands righteousness, and the villain understands profit." ("Li Ren") The gentleman understands morality, while the villain only understands self-interest. In our current society, this distinction is still correct, and people's values ??are still consistent with Confucius's thoughts.

The character of a gentleman is reflected more through his actions. It can be understood from the following aspects. One aspect is the gentleman's ambition and mind; one aspect is the gentleman's words and deeds; one aspect is the gentleman's attitude towards people; and the other aspect is the gentleman's attitude towards things.

The ambition of a gentleman is lofty and lofty, and will not be limited to his own selfish interests and gains and losses. Instead, we focus on the destiny of the whole society and mankind and the realization of Tao. Confucius said: "A gentleman seeks the Way, not food. Plowing is where discouragement lies; learning, where salary lies. A gentleman is concerned about the Way, not poverty." ("Wei Linggong") A gentleman focuses on the realization of the Way, and Don't pay attention to getting food. In other words, a gentleman strives to realize the Tao, not to live and survive. What's more, if you just work hard for a living, there will be times when you starve. Studying is for the realization of the Tao, and wages will come from it. The gentleman worries about whether the Tao can be realized, and he does not worry about poverty. Confucius also believed that "a gentleman has nothing to eat to satisfy himself and a place to live in peace." ("Xueer") There are no special requirements for food and living conditions. Confucius said that a gentleman is: "Live in seclusion to pursue his ambition, and practice righteousness to achieve his path." ("Ji Shi") When he is living in seclusion, he will not give up his ambition. If he can go out to do things, he will do it by practicing righteousness. Realize the path you want to pursue. Confucius also said: "A scholar aspires to the Tao." This is what it means. Confucius said: "A gentleman's attitude towards people and things in the world has no certain restrictions and limitations, as long as it is consistent with loyalty." ("Li Ren") in principle. It shows that a gentleman's ambition lies in morality. At the same time, it also shows a gentleman's flexible attitude and broad mind.

The Analects of Confucius mentions and discusses the words and deeds of a gentleman many times. The Analects of Confucius records: Zigong asked the gentleman.

The Master said: "First do what you say, and then follow it." ("Wei Zheng") Zigong asked what a gentleman is. Confucius answered him thus. Confucius believed that a gentleman should first practice his words and then speak them out. Here, of course Confucius spoke well specifically to Zigong, but he may not necessarily be able to do it in terms of his character or situation. But it has the same universal significance. Confucius believed that words and deeds should be consistent. He said: "The ancients couldn't say what they said, and they couldn't be ashamed of it." ("Li Ren") Ancient cultivated people only said what they could do. Confucius believed that a gentleman is "quick in matters but careful in words." Confucius also said: "A gentleman wants to be slow in words but quick in deeds." ("Li Ren") There is no need to have too many words, but at the same time, he must be cautious, but his actions must be quick. Yes, he is also agile in things. Because "a gentleman is ashamed of his words before his actions." He will feel ashamed in his heart when his words and deeds are inconsistent. Confucius believed: A gentleman only has no scruples in what he says. " ("Zi Lu") The character of a gentleman is reflected in his words and deeds.

The gentleman's attitude towards people is also worth learning. Confucius said: "A gentleman has the beauty of a man, but he does not have the beauty of a man. evil. "This is also a characteristic of our Chinese culture. A gentleman will fulfill the good deeds of others and realize the truth, goodness and beauty of others, but will not fulfill the evil of others. This kind of gentleman's style will make our society more lovely. In fact, Everyone has a desire for adult beauty. If an adult is evil, he is not a gentleman, and it is not what we want to see and hate. A gentleman lives in society and shows his integrity and integrity. Cultivation. Confucius said, “A gentleman is reserved and does not fight, and he is a group but does not join parties. "As a gentleman, he has his own integrity and will not fight for anything, nor will he form gangs like villains and gather together to do bad things. Even if there is a dispute, it is also a gentleman's dispute. ,. He said: "A gentleman will shoot even if he has nothing to fight for!" Bow and give way to ascend, descend to drink. His struggle is also a gentleman. "("Eight Hundreds") For example, in sports competitions such as archery, according to certain etiquette standards, we have to have a drink together after the competition. A gentleman will not recommend a person because of his good words, nor will he recommend him because of his good words. A gentleman is not good enough to recognize what he says. A gentleman has deep feelings for his relatives. Zengzi, a disciple of Confucius, believed that a gentleman likes to make friends through literature. Zengzi said: "A gentleman makes friends through literature." Friends Fu Ren. "("Yan Yuan") It can be seen that a gentleman attaches great importance to friendship and has a natural and deep feeling of friendship. He also has elegant sentiments and benevolent feelings. Confucius believes that "a gentleman is easy to do but difficult to say. "("Zi Lu") When a gentleman interacts with others, it is easy to get things done, but if he is not easy to please, he will not seek perfection from others. He also said: "A gentleman is harmonious but different. "The relationship with others emphasizes harmony and does not require the same, which means respecting others.

Let's look at the gentleman's attitude towards things. Confucius believed that "the gentleman is ill and has no reputation." "("Wei Linggong"). A gentleman attaches great importance to his reputation. He will feel resentful that after he passes away, he only has the name of a gentleman and fails to do what a gentleman should do and fulfill his responsibilities. A gentleman will He will also maintain a pragmatic attitude towards things. He said, "A gentleman is like a man who knows nothing." " ("Zi Lu") For things that you don't know, you won't talk nonsense, just put them aside, and don't express your own opinions. A gentleman does things with his own sincere emotions, that is, with his own feelings. Emotions are how people behave. Confucius believed: "When a gentleman lives in mourning, he will not be satisfied with his food, will not be happy when he hears music, and will be restless. "("Yang Huo") When a gentleman unfortunately has a relative pass away from this world, he will not feel sweet even when eating, nor will he be happy when listening to music, and he will always miss him when he lives. This is human nature. Expression, a gentleman maintains his nature and expresses his deep inner emotions on things.

A gentleman pays great attention to his self-cultivation and appearance. Confucius believes that a gentleman has three precepts. Fear and Nine Thoughts. Zengzi also believed that there are three aspects that are valuable to a gentleman. (We have already talked about the three precepts, the three fears and the Nine Thoughts, so we will not repeat them here.) Zengzi believed that what is most valuable to a gentleman is Taoism. Three: "If you change your appearance, you will be too arrogant when you are far away; if you have a correct look, you will be trustworthy when you are close; if you express your words, you will be twice as contemptuous if you are far away." "("Tabo") means to pay attention to modifying your movements and appearance, so that you will stay away from rudeness and arrogance; correct your attitude and expression, so that you will feel trustworthy; pay attention to your language and tone, so that you will stay away from vulgarity and arrogance. The suspicion of others. Zengzi believed that a gentleman values ??these three aspects. This is of course the cultivation that a gentleman needs in interacting with others. Zixia said: "A gentleman has three things: looking at others, being gentle, and listening. His words are also harsh. "Zixia called Confucius a gentleman. There are three changes in Confucius's external cultivation. From a distance, he looks very majestic and solemn, but when you interact with him, you are very gentle. When you hear him speak, you feel that he is very stern. Confucius also believes that " If a gentleman is not serious, he will not have authority, and if he is learned, he will not be solid. "Tell us to be solemn, so that the knowledge we learn will be solid. This is the gentleman's style shown by Confucius in his daily life.

When it comes to Zixia calling Confucius a gentleman, in fact, other things People also called Confucius a gentleman. They also recognized that the personality and demeanor displayed by Confucius were completely in line with the standards of a gentleman in people's minds. Confucius also regarded everyone who was well-educated as a gentleman. Confucius also considered himself a gentleman. He is a gentleman. Confucius said: "I cannot see a sage; I cannot see a gentleman."

"("Shu Er") The requirements of saints are very high. You don't just want to be a saint, you can achieve it. It is also difficult to see saints in society. But the gentleman is different. The standard is a little lower than that of a saint. As long as you want to be a saint, you can do it. It can be done. Maybe there are people around us who can be called gentlemen. We know that the purpose of Confucius’ education is to cultivate gentlemen. In the book, Confucius’ life is introduced, and Confucius is also called a gentleman. Chen Kang said, “A gentleman is far from his son. "Gentleman also refers to Confucius. Confucius also thought that he was a gentleman. The Analects of Confucius records: Confucius wanted to live in Jiuyi. Or: "How can it be so ugly? Confucius said: "How could a gentleman live there so shamelessly?" "("Zihan") Confucius is very confident here, thinking that if Jiuyi is very rough, a gentleman like himself will become less rough and more elegant when he lives there. When someone praises Confucius as a saint, Confucius thought that he was just a gentleman. He said: "Does Dazai know me?" I am a young man who is humble, so I can do many despicable things. How many gentlemen are there? Not much. " ("Zihan").

Confucius also praised his disciples as gentlemen. He said that his disciples are cheap: "A gentleman is just like a human being! If there are no gentlemen in Lu, how can we choose this? "("Gong Ye Chang") Zi Jian is a gentleman. And if there are no gentlemen in the State of Lu, then where did you learn this? It means that there are gentlemen in the State of Lu, and Zi Jian also became a gentleman because of the example and influence of the gentleman. . Confucius also praised his disciple Nan Rong: "A gentleman is like a human being!" What a virtuous person! "("Xianwen") said that Nan Rong was a gentleman because he advocated morality. Confucius also praised Zang Boyu: "A gentleman is Zang Boyu! If the country has the Way, then one can become an official; if the country does not have the Way, then one can take advantage of it. "("Wei Linggong") Zang Boyu was a great official of Wei State and a very good friend of Confucius. He was a gentleman in both his cultivation and conduct. Once Zang Boyu sent someone to visit Confucius, and Confucius sat with that person. We were together and asked this man about Zang Boyu. Confucius said, "Master, what is this?" ” He said to him, “Master, if you want to have less, you will have more trouble than you can do.” When the envoy came out, Confucius said: "Is that the envoy?" Make it happen! "("Xian Wen") This person also knew Zang Boyu very well, saying that he wanted to reduce his faults but was suffering from no way. It showed that Zang Boyu was cultivating and improving himself. After the envoy went out, Confucius sighed Said: "What a messenger, what a messenger! "It can be seen that gentlemen were still very common in society at that time.

Confucius believed that there was a gentleman's way. And the way of a gentleman showed different behaviors in different situations. In the Analects, Confucius talks about the way of a gentleman in two places. The Analects records: "Confucius said: 'There are three things in the way of a gentleman: he who is kind does not worry, he who knows does not doubt, and he who is brave does not fear. ’ Zigong said, ‘Master, it is your own way. '" ("Xian Wen") Confucius believed that there are three ways of a gentleman, but he himself could not achieve them. Zigong knew about Confucius and said that this is the master's own way, and he is talking about himself. A benevolent man does not worry, a knowledgeable man does not be confused, and a brave man does not Fear, these three principles of a gentleman may be very important to Confucius, but at the same time some of them are very difficult to achieve. As we mentioned above, some qualities of a gentleman are easy to achieve and can be achieved as long as you do it yourself. . Not worrying, not being confused, and not being afraid can only be achieved through cultivation. It also shows that Confucius has a profound understanding of these three aspects, which cannot be achieved by ordinary people. Confucius believed that "there are four principles of a gentleman." : He behaves respectfully to himself, he is respectful in his work, he benefits the people when he nourishes them, and he makes the people righteous. "("Gongye Chang") Zichan was the prime minister of Qi Henggong, one of the five hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period. He did a lot of good things for the people. Confucius often praised Zichan. The four gentlemen mentioned by Confucius here are all Zichan Those who did it: their behavior was humble; they respected Duke Heng of Qi; the people benefited from governing the country; and the people's labor was used in accordance with morality. Therefore, Confucius also called Xu Zichan a gentleman because Zichan practiced it. These four ways of a gentleman.

The character of a gentleman will be more highlighted by comparing it with a villain. As we mentioned above, Confucius often compared the villain with the gentleman. This kind of contrast. For example, "A gentleman is harmonious but different, and a villain is harmonious but not harmonious." Another example is "A gentleman is easy to do but difficult to please, and a villain is easy to be happy but difficult to do." " etc. The qualities of a villain are exactly the opposite of those of a gentleman. Another example is "A gentleman is peaceful but not arrogant, while a villain is arrogant but not arrogant." "("Zi Lu") A gentleman is peaceful and calm without being arrogant and complacent. A villain is just the opposite. A gentleman is proud and complacent without being peaceful and calm. When we read this contrast from Confucius, we cannot help but understand it in relation to the actual situation. I admire the wisdom of Confucius! Confucius warned Zixia: "A woman is a gentleman and a Confucian scholar, and nothing is a villain Confucian scholar!" "A gentleman's Confucianism must naturally have the demeanor of a gentleman, and a villain is still a villain no matter how good he is in reading and no matter how much knowledge he has. As a gentleman, Confucius also met some villains in his life, so he hated villains very much. This is also This is why Confucius made a very clear distinction between a gentleman and a villain. When answering Zigong's question "Do gentlemen also have evil intentions?" Confucius said: "Those who call others evil are evil, those who live in the lower classes and speak of superiors, those who are brave and rude. Those who are bold and suffocated. "So a gentleman hates the behavior of some villains, which is also a kind of character of a gentleman. Confucius also said: "Only the benevolent can do good to others and do evil to others. "("Li Ren") This is what it means. A gentleman's attitude toward his mistakes is also completely different from that of a villain. Zixia said: "The villain's faults must be written down. Zigong said: "The mistakes of a gentleman are like the eclipses of the sun and the moon: everyone sees them, and even more, everyone admires them."

"("Zi Zhang") If a villain makes a mistake, he will inevitably cover it up; if a gentleman makes a mistake, everyone will see it and know it, and everyone will praise him for correcting it.

The concept of the gentleman has been developed in Confucius It is very mature. To Confucius, it only refers to a person with moral character. Before Confucius, a gentleman was a title with a certain color of position. Of course, a gentleman in ancient times must have high moral cultivation. . For example, people can call Dayu and Shang Tang a gentleman, but they will never call Jie and Zhou a gentleman. This kind of moral title was fully matured by Confucius, although Confucius also said: "There is a husband who is a gentleman but not benevolent." , There is no villain but a benevolent person. "("Xian Wen") The gentleman here may refer to a person who is in power and is in danger of losing his life. There were many such situations in the society at that time, and the villain here refers to a person who is morally corrupt. And "a gentleman" It is easy to do things but difficult to please; it is easy for villains to do things but difficult to do. The comparison between the gentleman and the villain in "The Gentleman and the Villain" no longer has the factor of position. It is entirely a moral distinction. Because a gentleman can be in office, a villain can also be in office. This concept of Confucius has always influenced Chinese culture and society. This is still the case today.

Associating a gentleman’s character with Heaven, he believed that a gentleman’s character comes from Heaven. He said: “You cannot be a gentleman if you don’t know destiny. " ("Yao said") We also mentioned earlier that "The sky moves vigorously, and a gentleman strives to constantly strive for self-improvement." "Unable to understand what the Mandate of Heaven is, it is difficult for us to fully understand the true connotation of the gentleman mentioned by Confucius. However, we can see the general meaning of the gentleman from Confucius's above discussion. The gentleman is the implementation of the destiny in human society. The specific practice is connected with heaven and human society. A gentleman is a person with a perfect personality. A gentleman is a person who has the courage to take responsibility for society and mankind. At the same time, a gentleman is strong and positive. , possessing all the noble qualities of a human being.