Confucius on the Hierarchy of Virtue: Sustained Commitment Versus Fleeting Glimpses

Confucius said of Yan Hui: For months, his mind never strayed from virtue. Others only attained it briefly.

Such was Hui that for three months there would be nothing in his mind contrary to perfect virtue. The others may attain to this on some days or in some months, but nothing more.

回也,其心三月不违仁,其馀则日月至焉而已矣。

Source: The Analects, Yong Ye VI, Chapter 7

Author: Confucius

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