Monday, March 12, 2007

Largeness of Heart

From Heart by Gail Godwin
The prime virtue in the Confucian system is jen. Jen is the combination of 'human being' and 'two.' It is best translated as 'human-heartedness.' In the sociable Confucian ethic, one cannot become a person by oneself. Jen simultaneously embraces humanity toward others and respect for yourself. If you are a person of jen, you have the capacity to measure the feelings of others by your own. In public and private life, this means you have a largeness of heart that seeks to affirm others as you yourself would wish to be affirmed.
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1 comment:

  1. C. Robin Janning12:37 PM

    Elie,

    Thank you. As it so often happens here, your post has touched my heart where it is today!

    Robin

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