Confucius on Judging Character: Words vs. Deeds

The Master said, “A gentleman does not promote a man on account of his words, nor does he reject a man’s words because of his character.”

[Translation] Confucius said, “A gentleman does not promote a man on account of his words, nor does he reject a man’s words because of his character.”

[Commentary] From Chapter 18 to Chapter 23, these six chapters are basically all about the actions of a gentleman and the differences between a gentleman and a villain. What is a gentleman? Confucius believed that a gentleman should pay attention to the moral principles of righteousness, propriety, humility and trustworthiness; he should be strict with himself and strive to achieve the “three immortals” of establishing words, virtue and achievements, so that his name will be passed down to future generations; he should act with dignity and harmony with others, but not form cliques for personal gain, not promote people based on their words, not reject their words based on their person, etc. Of course, this is only part of the characteristics of a gentleman.

Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher, offers profound wisdom on how to evaluate people and their words. He stated, “A gentleman does not promote a man on account of his words, nor does he reject the words on account of the man.”

The Essence of Confucius’s Teaching

In this saying, Confucius emphasizes two important principles for assessing others:

Avoiding Superficial Judgments: A gentleman does not make judgments about a person’s character or abilities based solely on their words. Instead, he looks deeper, considering actions and integrity. This prevents superficial or misleading impressions from influencing important decisions.

Recognizing Value in All: A gentleman acknowledges that even those with flawed character may offer valuable insights. By not discarding someone’s words solely because of their reputation, he remains open to truth and wisdom, regardless of the source.

Practical Implications in Modern Life

Confucius’s guidance is highly relevant in today’s world, where snap judgments and biases often cloud our perceptions. Here are some practical applications:

Evaluating Candidates in the Workplace

When hiring or promoting employees, it is crucial to look beyond what they say in interviews or on their resumes. Consider their past actions, achievements, and the consistency of their behavior. This comprehensive evaluation helps in making better-informed decisions that benefit the organization in the long run.

Listening to Diverse Perspectives

In a team setting, valuable ideas can come from anyone, regardless of their position or past mistakes. By focusing on the merit of ideas rather than the individuals presenting them, leaders can foster a more inclusive and innovative environment. This approach encourages open dialogue and ensures that good ideas are not overlooked due to personal biases.

Building Personal Relationships

In personal relationships, it is important to assess people based on their actions rather than their words alone. Actions often speak louder than words, revealing true intentions and character. Simultaneously, being open to good advice from all sources, even those with whom you may have disagreements, can lead to personal growth and better decision-making.

The Gentleman and the Small Man

Confucius often contrasted the behaviors of the gentleman (junzi) with those of the small man (xiaoren). While the gentleman embodies integrity, wisdom, and a fair-minded approach, the small man tends to be superficial and biased. By following Confucius’s advice, individuals can aspire to the qualities of a gentleman, fostering a more just and thoughtful society.

The Broader Context

This saying is part of a larger discussion in the Analects about the behaviors and virtues of a gentleman. Confucius believed that a gentleman should uphold moral principles such as righteousness, propriety, humility, and trustworthiness. By striving for these virtues, one can achieve the “three immortals” – establishing virtue, establishing achievements, and establishing words – thereby leaving a lasting legacy.