Coined by Confucius (551-479BC), the concept of sacrificing one’s life to preserve virtue complete did not mean that he did not value human lives, rather he believed that beyond the preservation of life, people should have a higher pursuit, that is, to preserve their virtue. According to him, for those who aspire to develop or preserve virtue, when they have to choose between life and virtue, they should choose the latter.

Confucius said, “A person of benevolence and integrity will never seek life over morality, but instead will sacrifice life to uphold morality.” (The Analects)