Confucius’ Teachings on Righteousness and Courage: A Guide for Modern Life

2·24 The Master said, “To sacrifice to a spirit that is not one’s own(1) is flattering(2). To see what is right and not do it is cowardice.”

[Explanation]

(1) Spirit: There are two interpretations: one is a spirit or god, and the other is a deceased ancestor. Here it refers to a spirit or god in general.

(2) Flattering: to flatter or to be fawning.

(3)義: what a person should do is righteousness.

Translation

Confucius said, “If you worship a god that you should not, that is flattery. If you see something that you should stand up for, but you just stand by and watch, that is cowardice.”

Commentary

In this chapter, Confucius also introduces the concepts of “righteousness” and “courage,” which are both Confucian norms for shaping a noble character. The Annotations to the Analects of Confucius say: righteousness is what is appropriate. It is in line with the requirements of benevolence and propriety. Confucius regards “courage” as one of the conditions for practicing “benevolence.” “Courage” must be in line with “benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom” in order to be considered courageous. Otherwise, it is “chaos.”

Quote from this article】

The chapter “Eight Yis” consists of 26 chapters. The main content of this chapter involves the issue of “rituals,” advocating the maintenance of various rules and regulations of rituals in the system and etiquette. Confucius put forward the proposition of “painting after the event,” expressing his ethical thinking and the political moral proposition of “the king makes the minister with courtesy, and the minister serves the king with loyalty.” This chapter focuses on how to maintain “rituals.”

Righteousness, or “义” (yì) in Chinese, is a core Confucian value. It refers to what is appropriate and aligns with the principles of benevolence and propriety. Righteousness is about doing what is morally right, even when it is challenging. It requires an understanding of ethical principles and a commitment to act according to them, regardless of personal gain or loss.

Defining Courage

Courage, according to Confucius, is not merely about bravery in the face of danger. It involves standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. Courage must be guided by benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom. Without these guiding principles, what appears to be courage may actually lead to chaos.

The Importance of Authentic Worship

Confucius emphasizes the importance of sincerity in worship. Worshiping a god or spirit that one should not is considered flattery. This insincere act reflects a lack of genuine respect and understanding. True worship should come from a place of authenticity and reverence. This principle can be applied to modern life by ensuring that our actions are genuine and aligned with our values.

Addressing Cowardice

Confucius condemns the act of seeing what is right and not doing it as cowardice. This concept is highly relevant today, where standing up against injustice can be daunting. It calls for moral courage and the willingness to take action even when it is uncomfortable. By confronting cowardice, we can foster a society that values integrity and ethical behavior.

Practical Applications in Modern Life

Personal Integrity: Apply the principles of righteousness and courage in everyday decisions. This can involve standing up for a colleague being treated unfairly or making ethical choices in business.

Authentic Actions: Ensure that your actions are genuine and reflect your true values. Avoid insincere behaviors that may seem beneficial in the short term but undermine your integrity.

Moral Courage: Cultivate the strength to act according to your ethical beliefs, even in the face of adversity. This can create a ripple effect, encouraging others to also uphold high moral standards.