The Golden Mean of Character: When Substance and Refinement Are in Perfect Balance

Confucius said: Excess substance leads to rusticity; excess refinement leads to superficiality. Only their balance creates a virtuous man.

Where the solid qualities are in excess of accomplishments, we have rusticity; where the accomplishments are in excess of the solid qualities, we have the manners of a clerk. When the accomplishments and solid qualities are equally blended, we then have the man of virtue.

质胜文则野,文胜质则史。文质彬彬,然后君子。

Source: The Analects, Yong Ye VI, Chapter 18

Author: Confucius

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top