The Way 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 actualize its nature. If one can fully actualize their own nature, they can fully actualize the nature of others. If one can fully actualize the nature of others, they can fully actualize the nature of things. If one can fully actualize the nature of things, they can contribute to the transformation and nurturing of heaven and earth. If one can contribute to 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 "following 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, unifying them. It is the existence by which people unconditionally adhere, serving as the basis for moral reflection and behavioral norms. "Sincerity" is a universal norm that permeates heaven, humanity, and things, effectively connecting the three 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 comprehend what constitutes the best way to conduct oneself in the world, thereby becoming truly wise and accomplished individuals. Sincerity can manifest the truth of heaven and earth, enrich their beauty, and fulfill their goodness. Only with sincerity can one see why heaven is heaven and why deities are deities. Sincerity is the moral virtue in human nature, the essential element for heroes, great figures, and those who 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, Zhong Er, besieged the state of Yuan because Yuan refused to submit to him. Though small, Yuan not only refused to acknowledge the returning Zhong Er as their overlord 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, he personally planned the military strategy and addressed the troops at a war rally, declaring with great enthusiasm: "Based on our military strength and Yuan's combat capabilities, we can swiftly defeat them. Within seven days, we will subdue Yuan!"
As soon as he finished speaking, cheers erupted, and the morale of the troops soared. However, the progress of the war did not go as planned, and Yuan was not defeated within seven days. Despite heavy casualties and inadequate supplies, the soldiers of Yuan fought bravely and resolutely, showing a fierce determination to fight to the death. When the seven-day deadline arrived, the soldiers of Yuan remained as steadfast as ever. Duke Wen faced two choices: either continue the fight until victory or honor his promise and cease hostilities. With unwavering resolve, Duke Wen issued the order to withdraw. The officers rushed to advise him, saying