Timeless Lessons from Confucius: Self-Reflection for a Better Life
1·4 Zengzi(1) said, “I examine myself three times a day. Am I not loyal to others? Am I not trustworthy with friends? Do I not practice what I have learned?”
[Explanation]
(1) Zengzi: Zengzi was born in 505 BC. His surname was Zeng, his given name was Shen, and his style name was Ziyu. He was a native of Lu and a descendant of the aristocracy of the state of Zeng, which was destroyed by Lu. Zeng Shen was a favorite disciple of Confucius and was famous for being a filial son. It is said that he wrote the Classic of Filial Piety.
(2) Sanxing: Sanxing (pronounced xǐng) means to check or examine. There are several interpretations of Sanxing: one is to check three times; the second is to check from three aspects; the third is to check many times. In fact, in ancient times, the number was added before the verb to indicate the frequency of the action, and it did not have to be considered three times.
(3) Zhong: The old commentary says: Zhong means to do one’s best. Here it refers to the idea that one should do one’s best for others.
(4) Faith: The old commentary says: Faith is sincerity. It means to be honest. It requires people to keep their promises to each other in accordance with the rules of etiquette, so as to adjust the relationship between people.
(5) Not practicing what one has learned: The old commentary says: “To receive from a teacher is to pass on. The teacher passes on to you. Practice, as in ‘practice what you have learned,’ refers to reviewing, practicing, and exercising.
[Translation]
Zengzi said, “I reflect on myself many times a day. Do I do my best for others? Am I honest and trustworthy in my dealings with friends? Have I reviewed the studies that my teacher has taught me?”
[Commentary]
Confucianism attaches great importance to personal moral cultivation in order to create an ideal personality. The self-examination described in this chapter is the basic method of self-cultivation.
During the Spring and Autumn Period, social changes were very drastic. In the realm of consciousness, people’s beliefs began to waver, and traditional concepts seemed to be in crisis. Therefore, Zeng Shen proposed the method of “self-examination” to constantly examine one’s words and deeds, so as to achieve the ideal personality of perfection. The Analects of Confucius repeatedly discusses the issue of self-examination, requiring the disciples of Confucius to consciously reflect on themselves, engage in self-criticism, strengthen their personal ideological and moral cultivation, and correct various errors in their words, deeds, and behavior. This method of self-reflection is still worth learning from today, as it emphasizes the importance of self-awareness.
In this chapter, Zengzi also proposed the categories of “loyalty” and “trustworthiness.” Loyalty is characterized by the word “do one’s utmost,” which means to do one’s best until death. As Confucius later said, “To do one’s utmost is loyalty.” “To be unfaithful to one’s friends is to be unfaithful to everyone, not just the ruler. It means to help everyone, including the ruler, to the best of one’s ability. Therefore, “loyalty” was a general moral category in the pre-Qin period, not just used in the relationship between the ruler and the subject. As for the gradual evolution of the word “loyalty” into “loyalty to the ruler” after the Han Dynasty, it is related to Confucian loyalty, but also has important differences. The meaning of “trust” has two meanings: trust and credit. Its content is honesty and not cheating, and it is used to deal with the relationship between superiors and subordinates and friends. Trust is especially related to speech, meaning telling the truth and keeping one’s word. This is the cornerstone of a person’s life.
Confucius, a revered philosopher from ancient China, imparted wisdom that transcends time and cultural boundaries. One of his notable disciples, Zengzi, emphasized the importance of self-reflection in personal development. In a famous passage from “The Analects of Confucius,” Zengzi states, “I reflect on myself many times a day. Do I do my best for others? Am I honest and trustworthy in my dealings with friends? Have I reviewed the studies that my teacher has taught me?” This simple yet profound practice of self-examination can offer valuable insights for modern individuals seeking to improve their character and relationships.
The Power of Self-Reflection
Self-reflection, as highlighted by Zengzi, is a cornerstone of Confucian philosophy. It involves a regular and honest assessment of one’s actions and thoughts. Zengzi’s daily introspection was guided by three key questions:
Loyalty to Others: Am I doing my best for others? This question encourages us to evaluate our efforts in helping and supporting those around us. It’s about putting in our best effort in all interactions, be it with family, friends, or colleagues.
Trustworthiness with Friends: Am I honest and trustworthy in my dealings with friends? Trust is the foundation of any relationship. Reflecting on this ensures that we maintain integrity and reliability, which are crucial for sustaining strong and healthy relationships.
Practicing Learned Knowledge: Have I reviewed the studies that my teacher has taught me? This emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and application of knowledge. It’s not enough to merely acquire knowledge; one must actively practice and embody it in daily life.
Applying Confucian Wisdom Today
The principles outlined by Zengzi are not just ancient relics; they are highly relevant in today’s fast-paced and often disconnected world. Here’s how we can apply these teachings in our lives:
Dedication to Others: In our personal and professional lives, striving to do our best for others can lead to more meaningful and fulfilling relationships. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, offering support, or being a reliable team member, dedication fosters a sense of community and trust.
Building Trust: Trustworthiness is critical in every interaction. Being honest, keeping promises, and being dependable are ways to build and maintain trust. This not only strengthens personal bonds but also enhances professional reputations and opportunities.
Continuous Learning: In an ever-evolving world, the commitment to learning and self-improvement is vital. By regularly reflecting on what we’ve learned and seeking ways to apply this knowledge, we can adapt and thrive in various aspects of life.
The Importance of Self-Awareness
Confucianism places great emphasis on personal moral cultivation as a means to achieve an ideal personality. Zengzi’s method of self-examination is a fundamental technique for self-cultivation. It requires an individual to consciously reflect on their words and deeds, engage in self-criticism, and strive for moral and ethical improvement.
During the Spring and Autumn Period, when societal changes were rapid and traditional beliefs were being questioned, Zengzi’s approach provided a way to navigate uncertainty and maintain personal integrity. This method of self-reflection remains valuable today as it encourages self-awareness and personal growth.
Conclusion
Zengzi’s teachings on self-reflection, loyalty, and trustworthiness offer timeless wisdom for anyone seeking to lead a more conscious and fulfilling life. By regularly examining our actions and motives, we can foster better relationships, achieve personal growth, and contribute positively to society. Embracing these Confucian principles can help us navigate the complexities of modern life with integrity and purpose.