The Doctrine of the Mean: The Art of Being Human

Author: He Zheming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: The highest sincerity in the world can fully realize its nature. If one can fully realize their own nature, they can fully realize the nature of others. If one can fully realize the nature of others, they can fully realize the nature of things. If one can fully realize the nature of things, they can assist in the transformation and nurturing of heaven and earth. If one can assist in the transformation and nurturing of heaven and earth, they can participate with heaven and earth. – The Doctrine of the Mean
To be a person of taste and refinement, one must firmly grasp the concept of "sincerity." As a general concept, sincerity carries meanings such as truthfulness, without deceit, and purity. The author of The Doctrine of the Mean, Zisi, believed that "walking in accordance with the Dao" requires a subjective spirit of "choosing the good and persisting in it"—sincerity. Sincerity also represents a state of mental focus, but Zisi exaggerated this subjective spiritual state into an absolute spirit that permeates heaven and humanity. He took sincerity as the foundation, believing that sincerity is the Dao of heaven. Mastering the art of living in accordance with the mean, sincerity is the fundamental principle and thought. Confucianism has always regarded sincerity as the axis of the mean's moral perspective. It is the norm that connects heaven and humanity, bringing them together. It is the existence by which people unconditionally adhere, serving as the basis for moral contemplation and behavioral norms. "Sincerity" is a universal norm that permeates heaven, humanity, and things, effectively connecting them and placing human existence in a harmonious framework. "Sincerity" not only promises the possibility of achieving the complete moral ideal in concrete, imperfect ethical practice, thus opening the door to the mean as a practical ethics. When embodied in a person, sincerity is their "nature." When people cultivate to the state of "ultimate sincerity," they can attain the virtue of heaven, understand the principles of all things, and grasp the best methods for conduct, thereby becoming truly wise and accomplished individuals. Sincerity can manifest the truth of heaven and earth, enrich its beauty, and complete its goodness. Only with sincerity can one see why heaven is heaven and why deities are deities. Sincerity is a moral virtue in human nature, the essential element for heroes, great figures to establish their moral integrity and words. Only with sincerity can one see why humanity is humanity, why heroes are heroes, and why great figures are great figures.
The Zuo Zhuan·Xi Gong Twenty-Five records that in 635 BC, Duke Wen of Jin, Chong'er, besieged the state of Yuan because Yuan refused to submit to him. Though small, Yuan not only refused to recognize the returning Chong'er as their overlord after his exile abroad but also constantly provoked and stirred up trouble. To quell the unrest and complete his hegemonic ambitions, Duke Wen decided to attack Yuan. Before the battle, Duke Wen personally planned the military strategy and addressed the troops in a war council, saying with great passion, "Based on our military strength and Yuan's combat capabilities, we can swiftly defeat them. Within seven days, we will subdue Yuan!" The moment he finished speaking, cheers erupted, and the morale of the troops soared. However, the progress of the war did not go as expected, and it took more than seven days to conquer Yuan. Despite the overwhelming strength of Jin, the soldiers of Yuan suffered heavy casualties, lacked supplies, and were in dire straits, yet they fought bravely and remained calm, showing a fierce determination to fight to the death. When the seven-day deadline arrived, the soldiers of Yuan were still as resolute as ever. Duke Wen faced two choices: either continue the fight until victory or honor his promise and cease the battle. With unwavering resolve, Duke Wen issued the order to withdraw. The officers rushed to him with advice, saying