Concept
Ren (philosophy)
Overview
Ren (Chinese: 仁, meaning "co-humanity" or "humaneness") is the highest Confucian virtue meaning the good quality of a virtuous human when reaching for higher ideals or when being altruistic. According to Confucius, Ren does not have a singular definition; it encompasses benevolence, trustworthiness, courage, compassion, empathy, and reciprocity. It is expressed through interpersonal relationships and can be cultivated through the observance of proper ritual (li). Ren is also a central principle in Confucian political theory: a ruler with the Mandate of Heaven is one of great virtue, who leads by moral example and prioritizes the well-being of the people.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0; see the article history for authors).
Possible passages
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saying of the Master:-- "He who, after three years' observation of the will of his father when alive, or of his past conduct if dead, does not deviate from that father's ways, is entitled to be called 'a dutiful son.'" Sayings of the Scholar Yu:-- "For the practice of the Rules of Propriety,[1] one excellent way is to be natural. This naturalness became a great grace in the practice of kings of former times; let…
Confucius, Chinese literature
The author is tied to Ren in the knowledge graph.
It is this that makes the sky and earth so great.”[1] The first environment of the human soul is that of the family. Before we can become good subjects, before we can aspire to study nature and mould ourselves upon the laws of heaven and earth, we must first of all learn to become good sons, to complete the unity of family life. All things will be added in their due course. To the Chinese mind the successful policy…
Confucius, The book of filial duty
The author is tied to Ren in the knowledge graph.
3. I come now to the system of selecting officials by competitive examination, without which it is hardly likely that so literary and unsuperstitious a system as that of Confucius could have maintained its hold. The view of the modern Chinese on this subject is set forth by the present President of the Republic of China, Hsu Shi-chang, in his book on _China after the War_, pp. 59-60.[22] After considering the…
Bertrand Russell, The Problem of China
Close in meaning to Ren; the term itself is not named.
Philosophers who discussed Ren (philosophy)
Related ideas
- Mandate of Heaven
- Yi (philosophy)
- Analects
- Tao
- Morality
- Tian
- Confucianism
- Confucius
- Li (Confucianism)
- Yan Hui
Place in the tradition
Part of Chinese philosophy.