Analects · Chapter
XLV explained
Tsze-lû asks Confucius what constitutes the superior man.
What happens
Tsze-lû asks Confucius what constitutes the superior man. Confucius replies that it is the cultivation of oneself in reverential carefulness, which extends to giving rest to others and ultimately to all the people, a task so great that even the sage-kings Yâo and Shun were still concerned about it.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Cultivation
The superior man's primary duty is to cultivate himself in reverential carefulness, which is the root of all virtuous action.
The Superior Man
The chapter directly defines the superior man as one who cultivates himself to bring rest to others, culminating in the welfare of all people.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“The cultivation of himself in reverential carefulness.”
The superior man focuses on developing his own character with serious and respectful attention.
Confucius emphasizes the foundational role of personal cultivation.
“He cultivates himself so as to give rest to all the people.”
The superior man's self-cultivation is ultimately aimed at bringing peace and well-being to everyone.
This extends the purpose of self-cultivation to the broader community and society.