# XLV explained — Analects

> Chapter companion for Analects by Confucius.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Tsze-lû

Asks Confucius about the nature of the superior man, pressing for a fuller explanation.

### Confucius

Defines the superior man as one who cultivates himself to bring rest to others and all people.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/chapters/xlv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/chapters