Why Living with Virtuous People Enhances Wisdom: Confucian Insights
4·1 The Master said, “It is beautiful to live in a place where there are men of virtue (1); but if one does not choose to live there, how can one be said to be wise (2)?”
[Notes]
(1) Li ren wei mei: Li, residence, used as a verb. It is good to live in a place where there are people of benevolence.
(2) Chu: residence.
(3) Zhi: sound zhì, same as zhi.
[Translation]
Confucius said, “It is good to live with people of benevolence. If you choose a residence that is not with people of benevolence, how can you say that you are wise?”
[Commentary]
The moral cultivation of each individual is both a personal matter and is inevitably related to the external environment in which they live. Confucius always emphasized the importance of the environment in which one lives and the importance of choosing the right friends. Those who live with people of virtue will be influenced by them, and vice versa, it is unlikely that they will develop a sense of virtue.
The Significance of a Virtuous Environment
Confucius emphasized that our moral development is deeply intertwined with the people we associate with. According to him, living among individuals who embody virtue and benevolence can significantly shape our own character and wisdom. The idea is that virtue is not just an internal quality but is also nurtured by our external circumstances. Being in the company of righteous and kind-hearted people provides a positive influence, encouraging us to adopt similar values.
Choosing the Right Companions
The choice of where we live and whom we surround ourselves with is more than a mere lifestyle preference—it is a crucial factor in our personal growth. Confucius believed that if one chooses to live away from those who practice virtue, it becomes difficult to cultivate and maintain wisdom. This principle underscores the importance of choosing friends and associates who can positively influence our moral and intellectual development.
The Influence of Environment on Virtue
The idea that our environment can shape our virtue is not unique to Confucius. Across cultures, it is recognized that our surroundings play a significant role in shaping who we become. By living among people who embody the values we aspire to, we are more likely to develop those same qualities. This concept is supported by modern psychology, which shows that social and environmental factors can have a profound impact on our behavior and character.