Achieving Virtue: Confucius on the Power of Self-Effort
7·30 The Master said, “Is benevolence far away? I want to be benevolent, and that is the highest degree of benevolence.”
Translation
Confucius said, ‘Is benevolence far away from us? As long as I want to achieve benevolence, benevolence will come.’
Commentary
From the words of Confucius in this chapter, we can see that benevolence is a natural human instinct, so it is up to us to achieve it through our own efforts, and we cannot rely on external forces. The basis of this understanding is still moral self-awareness. Through unremitting efforts, it is possible to achieve benevolence. Here, Confucius emphasizes the importance of the subjective initiative of people in moral cultivation.
In the realm of classical Chinese philosophy, Confucius stands as a beacon of moral wisdom. One of his profound statements, “仁远乎哉？我欲仁，斯仁至矣。” translates to, “Is virtue far from us? If I desire virtue, then virtue is achieved.” This statement encapsulates a central tenet of Confucian thought: the idea that virtue is not an elusive goal but rather a potential within each individual, achievable through sincere effort.
Confucius, a towering figure in Chinese philosophy, believed that virtue, or ren (仁), is inherently within every person. Rather than being a distant or abstract ideal, ren is something accessible to anyone who earnestly strives to attain it. This perspective highlights the fundamental principle of self-cultivation in Confucianism. According to Confucius, achieving virtue does not rely on external factors or influences but is fundamentally an outcome of one’s own inner resolve and persistent effort.
The essence of Confucius’ teaching is that ren is a matter of personal effort and moral discipline. He emphasizes that virtue arises from an individual’s own desire and determination to cultivate it. In essence, if one is committed to being virtuous, then virtue will naturally manifest in their life. This notion places a significant emphasis on the subjective agency of the individual in their moral development.
Confucius’ insight into the nature of virtue underscores the importance of moral self-awareness and ongoing effort. His teachings suggest that while the journey to virtue requires dedication and perseverance, it is within everyone’s reach. This approach is not merely about adherence to external rules but about an inner commitment to personal growth and ethical living.