The Boundary of Benevolence: Zi Gong’s Question on Universal Charity

Zi Gong asked: If a man can benefit all people, can he be called perfectly virtuous?

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?

如有博施于民而能济众,何如?可谓仁乎?

Source: The Analects, Yong Ye VI, Chapter 30 (Part 1 – The Question)

Author: Zi Gong

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