# XXVIII explained — Analects

> Chapter companion for Analects by Confucius.

## What happens

Tsze-kung asks Confucius whether a person who extensively benefits the people and assists all could be called perfectly virtuous. Confucius responds that such a person would be a sage, beyond mere virtue, and explains that the man of perfect virtue seeks to establish and enlarge others as he does himself, judging others by what is near in himself—this is the art of virtue.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Superior Man

The discussion of perfect virtue and the art of virtue aligns with the ideal of the superior man who seeks to establish and enlarge others.

### Reciprocity

The principle of judging others by what is near in oneself is a form of reciprocity, a key Confucian virtue.

## Character check-ins

### Tsze-kung

Asks about the standard of perfect virtue and whether extensive beneficence qualifies.

### Confucius

Defines the art of virtue as establishing and enlarging others, and judging by what is near in oneself.

### Yâo

Mentioned as a sage who was still solicitous about such matters.

### Shun

Mentioned as a sage who was still solicitous about such matters.

## Key lines

> Suppose the case of a man extensively conferring benefits on the people, and able to assist all, what would you say of him? Might he be called perfectly virtuous?

If someone helped everyone and did good for all, would you call them perfectly virtuous?

_Tsze-kung's hypothetical question about the highest moral achievement._

> Now the man of perfect virtue, wishing to be established himself, seeks also to establish others; wishing to be enlarged himself, he seeks also to enlarge others.

The truly virtuous person, wanting to succeed, helps others succeed; wanting to grow, helps others grow.

_Confucius's definition of perfect virtue as mutual support and growth._

> To be able to judge of others by what is nigh in ourselves;—this may be called the art of virtue.

Using your own feelings to understand others is the essence of virtue.

_The principle of empathy and reciprocity as the core of virtue._

## Links

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