Once Again
Read the conversation. I find it full of wisdom.
Yan Hui: What is benevolence?
Confucius: Benevolence is overcoming one's selfish desires and acting in accordance with propriety. If you can do this everyone will recognize you as benevolent. Benevolence comes from one's self. It is not something others can give you.
Y: And how specifically, is one to act benevolently?
C: If it is contrary to propriety do not look at it. If it is contrary to propriety do not listen to it. If it is contrary to propreity do not say it. If it is contrary to propriety do not do it.
Y: Although, I'm not too bright I hope I can practice what you've just said.
They always talk of propriety, benevolence and wisdom. I want to know what propriety is. Then maybe I'd understand. Here's the definition.
pro·pri·e·ty(noun)
1. socially correct or appropriate behavior: conformity to the standards of politeness, respect, decency, or morality conventionally accepted by a society
2. quality of being socially appropriate: quality of displaying behaviors thought to be correct or appropriate
Yan Hui: What is benevolence?
Confucius: Benevolence is overcoming one's selfish desires and acting in accordance with propriety. If you can do this everyone will recognize you as benevolent. Benevolence comes from one's self. It is not something others can give you.
Y: And how specifically, is one to act benevolently?
C: If it is contrary to propriety do not look at it. If it is contrary to propriety do not listen to it. If it is contrary to propreity do not say it. If it is contrary to propriety do not do it.
Y: Although, I'm not too bright I hope I can practice what you've just said.
They always talk of propriety, benevolence and wisdom. I want to know what propriety is. Then maybe I'd understand. Here's the definition.
pro·pri·e·ty(noun)
1. socially correct or appropriate behavior: conformity to the standards of politeness, respect, decency, or morality conventionally accepted by a society
2. quality of being socially appropriate: quality of displaying behaviors thought to be correct or appropriate