1 Minute Classical Chinese

What is Junzi ?

The Chinese Junzi is different from a gentleman.

A person can born as a gentleman, as a noble.

But can't be the Junzi.

The Junzi are a kind of from inside to outside expression.

Their inner heart is high and noble.

Their behavior and character are pure and upright.

They treat people in a way that benefits people.

Everything comes from the heart.

The Junzi can be anyone, can be a poor person,

can be any kind of position or social standing.

It does not point to any particular social class position.

Especially does not point to the nobility.

People who control what is said in different times, for different goals, explain it differently.

When they want people to be kept as they are and follow without question, they explain this saying as:

Because the ruler is the ruler, and the official is the official, so no matter what the ruler says, the official must listen.

So if the ruler wants the official to die, not dying would not be loyal.

Because the father is the father, and the child is the child, so no matter what the father says, the child must listen.

So if the father wants the child to die, not dying would not be filial.

The explain focused on the status at birth,  required unconditional obedience.

But in Confucius’ time, this saying had another meaning.

The ruler must act like a ruler, then the official will act like an official.

The ruler must be a good ruler, then the officials will be loyal and work hard for him, even die for him.

The father must act like a father, then the child will act like a child.

The father must be a good father, then the children will be good children.

The explain focused on those with higher roles, they needing good values to make those with lower roles obey.

It more demanded people in high positions to build their moral character.