Translation: A gentleman pursues harmony but not conformity; a villain only pursues complete agreement but does not pursue coordination.

Original text: Confucius said: "The gentleman is harmonious but different; the villain is homogeneous but not harmonious."

Source: "The Analects" - Spring and Autumn Period·Confucius

Notes

1. Harmony: The harmonious cooperation of different things is called harmony, and all aspects are different from each other.

2. Tong: When the same things are added together or mixed with people, they are called Tong. Identical in every way.

A gentleman can maintain a harmonious atmosphere with those around him, but he should have his own independent opinions on everything, rather than blindly agree with what others say; a villain does not have his own independent opinions, although he is always harmonious Others remain consistent, but in reality there is no real harmony.

Extended information

“Harmony without diversity” is an important part of Confucius’ ideological system. "A gentleman is harmonious but different, and a villain is homogeneous but not harmonious." A gentleman can maintain a harmonious relationship with the people around him, but he must deal with everything through his own independent thinking and is never willing to follow what others say or blindly agree.

But villains have no independent opinions of their own and only seek to be completely consistent with others. This is how they behave. In fact, in all issues, the difference between "harmony but difference" and "sameness without harmony" can often be reflected. "Harmony without difference" shows the profound philosophy and high wisdom of Confucius' thought.

The so-called "harmony without difference" means that a gentleman can maintain a harmonious and friendly relationship with others in interpersonal communication, but he does not have to agree with each other on specific issues; "Disharmony" means that villains are accustomed to catering to other people's views on problems and echoing other people's opinions, but deep down they do not have a harmonious and friendly attitude.

In daily life, it is extremely normal for people to hold different views on a certain issue. A true friend should gain knowledge through exchanging opinions and communicating thoughts; even if the thoughts cannot be unified temporarily, it will not hurt the harmony, and the test of time can prove whose opinion is more correct.

Therefore, a true friendship between gentlemen does not seek to be consistent at all times and everywhere; on the contrary, it is to tolerate each other's independent opinions and not to hide their different opinions, which can be regarded as sincere and sincere.

Reference: Baidu Encyclopedia - Gentlemen are harmonious but different