The prime virtue in the Confucian system is jen. Jen is the combination of 'human being' and 'two.' It is best translated as 'human-heartedness.' In the sociable Confucian ethic, one cannot become a person by oneself. Jen simultaneously embraces humanity toward others and respect for yourself. If you are a person of jen, you have the capacity to measure the feelings of others by your own. In public and private life, this means you have a largeness of heart that seeks to affirm others as you yourself would wish to be affirmed.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Largeness of Heart
From Heart by Gail Godwin
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Elie,
ReplyDeleteThank you. As it so often happens here, your post has touched my heart where it is today!
Robin