Confucius’ Five Virtues

“To be able under all circumstances to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue; these five things are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness.”

Confucius taught five virtues a gentleman should practice every day to live a healthy, harmonious life:

Ren is the virtue of benevolence, charity, and humanity;

Yi, of honesty and uprightness;

Yì may be broken down into zhong, , doing one's best, conscientiousness, loyalty; and

shù, , reciprocity, altruism, consideration for others, and Confucius’ early version of the Golden Rule, “what you don't want yourself, don't do to others."

Zhi, knowledge;

Xin, the virtue of faithfulness and integrity; and,

Li, correct behavior, or propriety, good manners, politeness, ceremony, worship.