The Gentleman’s Guide to Polite Competition: Lessons from Confucius

3·7 The Master said, “A gentleman has nothing to contend for, but if he does, it is in archery.

[Explanation]

(1) Archery: originally, archery. Here, it refers to the ancient archery ritual.

(2) Yì: to bow with clasped hands as a sign of respect.

[Translation]

The Master said, ”A gentleman has nothing to contend for. If he does, it is in archery. During the competition, they first bow to each other in a gesture of politeness and then go to the field. After the competition, they bow to each other again before going down and then enter the hall to drink. This is the way a gentleman should compete.

[Analysis]

Confucius said here that “a gentleman has nothing to compete for.” Even if he has to compete, it is a polite competition. This reflects an important characteristic of Confucius and Confucianism, which emphasizes modesty and politeness and despises rude and unfair competition. But if modesty and courtesy are overemphasized to the point of opposing them to legitimate competition, it will inhibit people’s enterprising and pioneering spirit, and become a moral obstacle to social development.

The Essence of Polite Competition

Confucius stated, “A gentleman has nothing to contend for, but if he does, it is in archery.” This declaration emphasizes that while competition is not inherently the pursuit of a gentleman, when it is necessary, it should be conducted with the utmost respect and decorum. Archery, an esteemed activity in ancient China, serves as a metaphor for all forms of competition, highlighting the importance of maintaining civility and respect.

Key Aspects of Ancient Archery Rituals

Respectful Beginnings: Competitors begin by bowing to each other, a gesture of respect and acknowledgment of each other’s skills and efforts.

Honorable Competition: The actual contest, whether in archery or any other field, is conducted with fairness and integrity.

Gracious Endings: After the competition, participants bow again, reinforcing mutual respect, followed by communal activities such as drinking, which foster camaraderie.

Confucius’s View on Modesty and Politeness

Confucius believed that modesty and politeness are core attributes of a gentleman. In the context of competition, these traits ensure that contests are conducted without malice or unfair practices. This perspective encourages a culture where respect for others is paramount, even in the heat of competition.

Balancing Politeness and Competitive Spirit

While Confucius’s emphasis on modesty and politeness is admirable, it raises questions about the balance between these virtues and the need for assertiveness in competition. Overemphasizing modesty might stifle ambition and innovation. Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance where respect for others coexists with a healthy drive to excel.

Applying Confucian Principles in Modern Competitions

The principles derived from Confucius’s teachings on archery can be effectively applied in various modern contexts, from sports to business.

In Sports

Sportsmanship: Athletes should respect their opponents, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.

Fair Play: Competitions should be conducted fairly, with a focus on integrity rather than just winning.

Post-Game Etiquette: Players should engage in gestures of goodwill after the competition, fostering a sense of community.

In Business

Ethical Practices: Businesses should compete fairly, without resorting to unethical practices.

Respect for Competitors: Acknowledging the strengths and contributions of competitors can lead to more constructive and innovative industry practices.

Collaborative Efforts: Post-competition collaboration, akin to the communal drinking in ancient rituals, can lead to mutually beneficial partnerships.