The earliest meaning of this term, in contrast with the term petty man, referred to a ruler or people with high social standing. Later, moral character and ethical behavior were used to differentiate between a man of virtue and a petty man. Scholars of different schools have different understanding and standards for a man of virtue. Confucian scholars believed that such a person should observe proper rules of moral conduct, be able to resist external temptations, and thedesire to seek material gain.Daoists, however, held that a man of virtue should follow the rule of non-action, refuse to be bound by social conventions and act according to the highest standards of Dao.

Mozi said, “Today’s rulers and men of virtue all govern to promote the prosperity of their countries, create large populations and build just legal and political systems.” (Mozi)

Mencius said, “The sensory organs like ears and eyes cannot think. Therefore, they tend to be misled by the appearance of external objects, and they tend to be led astray when coming into contact with such objects. The heart, however, is an organ capable of thinking. Thinking creates insight, while lack of it will lead one to a dead end. So thinking is the gift Heaven bestows on us. One should first establish the primary function of the heart, thus not be misled by eyes and ears. Such a person is a man of virtue.” (Mencius)

He who has extensive knowledge seeks nothing and loses nothing, and he does not try to change himself under the impact of external things. He does not seek to command all knowledge, but just follows the general way without any pretension. Such is the honesty of a man of virtue. (Zhuangzi)