-
重置
-
语音
-
放大
-
缩小
-
鼠标样式
-
辅助线
-
读屏字幕
-
退出
重置
语音
放大
缩小
鼠标样式
辅助线
读屏字幕
退出
This belief is advocated by
Mencius（372？-289 BC）. He holds that upholding righteousness is an essential attribute of a
dignified man, and without it one would lose his moral standing. Life is
precious, but survival should not be the only thing that is important in life.
When one faces a choice between saving life and upholding righteousness, he
should give life to uphold righteousness.
The basic meaning of yi (义) is “reasonable” and “proper.” It has two extended meanings. One is the proper basis and standard for people’s actions. The other is to adjust one’s words or deeds to meet certain standards, under the guidance of moral judgments. Scholars in the Song Dynasty used li (理) or “principles of heaven” to interpret yi, and considered yi to be the reasonable standard defined by the “principles of heaven,” and hoped that people’s words and deeds would fall in line with the “principles of heaven.”
In ancient days, this term had two meanings. One, it referred to correctness or orthodoxy, specifically in the interpretation of ancient classics. The term was often used as part of a book title, such as Correct Meaning of The Book of Changes and Correct Meaning of Mao’s Annotations on The Book of Songs. Two, it referred to principles of justice that were universally accepted and righteous. In modern times, the second meaning has prevailed. Today, it has become one of the core values of the Chinese society.
When faced with gain one should first consider and distinguish whether the obtainment of gain is in accord with morality. This is a Confucian criterion for dealing with the relation between righteousness and gain. Between the pursuit of gain and the upholding of morality a conflict has long existed. Because people more often than not may covet personal gain and overlook morality, their actions may go against virtue and violate the law. Against this kind of situation Confucius （551-479 BC） advanced the stand of “thinking of righteousness in the face of gain,” proposing that people should strive for gain on the basis of the principle of morality. He who knows morality is a man of virtue, and he who blindly pursues gain is a petty man.
A person of virtue takes righteousness as a fundamental principle to guide his or her acts. A “person of virtue” refers to dignitaries or persons with great talent or moral quality. Righteousness means morality and justice, as well as derivative concepts such as social norms and duties. This concept demonstrates that the qualities of the elite are shown by their righteous acts and social responsibilities.
A person who repeatedly acts immorally will only end up in total failure. Buyi (不 义) is an act which violates the principles of yi (义 righteousness). Righteousness is the moral code broadly accepted by a society； it is synonymous with yi (宜 propriety), meaning the observance of what is fit and proper. The Chinese have championed righteousness since ancient times, believing that all acts, whether those of individuals or of a nation, should be based on righteousness. Anyone who breaks laws, harms the country or the people, or commits numerous acts of wrongdoing will come to no good end.
中华思想文化术语传播工程 秘书处
电话：010-88819132
邮箱：shuyu@fltrp.com
中华思想文化术语微信公众号
指导单位：教育部语言文字信息管理司 主办单位：国家语言监测与研究网络媒体中心
京公网安备 11010802039713号