This term first appeared in The Analects. Gong (躬) means in person and xing (行) refers to the cultivation of morals. According to Confucianism, one should cultivate his morals in everyday life to develop personal integrity. This term embodies the view that knowledge and action should be closely integrated with each other. Confucianism is against those who fail to observe moral principles they preach themselves, emphasizing that people should always follow moral principles in their daily lives.

Confucius said: “As far as knowledge of literature is concerned, what I’ve achieved is similar to that of others. But when it comes to the practice of moral principles as a man of integrity, I still have a long way to go.” The Analects