Understanding the Essence of Trust and Respect in Confucianism: A Guide for Modern Life

1·13 Yuzi said, “Trust is close to righteousness (1), and words can be repeated (3); being respectful is close to propriety, and being distant (4) from shame; being filial is also possible (6), because (5) one does not lose one’s parents.”

[Explanation]

(1) Close: close to, in line with.

(2) Righteousness: righteousness is a Confucian ethical category. It refers to the idea and behavior conforming to certain standards. This standard is “propriety.”

(3) Fu: to practice. Zhu Xi’s “Collection of Notes” says: Fu, to practice what one says.

(4) Yuan: to keep away from. It can also be translated as to avoid.

(5) Yin: to rely on. One theory says that Yin should be written as 姻, but it seems inappropriate in the context.

(6) Zong: to be the main one, reliable. The general interpretation of “respect” seems inappropriate.

Translation:

Yuzi said, “To be trustworthy is to be in accordance with what is right, and only then can one’s words be carried out. To be respectful is to be in accordance with what is right, and only then can one avoid shame. To rely on reliable people is to be worthy of respect.”

Commentary:

The words of Yuzi, a disciple of Confucius, in this chapter show that they attached great importance to “trustworthiness” and “respectfulness.” Both “trust” and “respect” must be based on Zhouli. If you do not conform to Zhouli, you cannot speak; if you speak, you are not “trustworthy.” If you do not conform to Zhouli, you cannot do; if you do, you are not “respectful.” This is the basic attitude for being a person in the world.

The Significance of Trust

Yuzi stated, “To be trustworthy is to be in accordance with what is right, and only then can one’s words be carried out.” Trust is a cornerstone of any relationship, whether personal or professional. In Confucian philosophy, trustworthiness is closely aligned with righteousness. Here’s how we can interpret and apply this concept today:

Integrity in Actions: Ensuring that our actions align with our words is fundamental. Consistency between what we say and what we do builds a reliable and trustworthy character.

Honesty in Communication: Being truthful and transparent in our communications fosters trust. This honesty should be maintained even when it is difficult or inconvenient.

Reliability: Following through on commitments and promises shows reliability. In professional settings, this can translate into meeting deadlines and delivering quality work consistently.

The Importance of Respect

“To be respectful is to be in accordance with what is right, and only then can one avoid shame,” Yuzi continues. Respect in Confucianism is not merely about politeness but is deeply rooted in propriety and ethical behavior. Here’s how respect can be incorporated into modern life:

Respect for Others: This includes acknowledging others’ opinions, showing empathy, and valuing their contributions. It’s about treating everyone with dignity and kindness.

Self-Respect: Maintaining one’s own integrity and standing by one’s values is crucial. Self-respect involves taking care of oneself, both physically and mentally, and setting healthy boundaries.

Cultural Respect: In a globalized world, understanding and respecting cultural differences is vital. This respect fosters better communication and collaboration across diverse backgrounds.

Application in Everyday Life

Understanding and practicing these principles can greatly enhance our personal and professional relationships. Here are practical ways to integrate trust and respect into our daily routine:

Active Listening: Show genuine interest in others’ thoughts and feelings. This builds trust and shows respect for their perspective.

Consistent Actions: Align your actions with your stated intentions. Consistency reinforces trust and respect.

Ethical Decision-Making: Make decisions that are not only beneficial to you but also fair and just to others involved. This aligns with the righteousness that Confucianism advocates.