The Highest Order of Scholar-Officials: Self-Respect and Competence

Confucius said: “A true scholar-official acts with a sense of shame and never disgraces his mission abroad.”

He who in his conduct of himself maintains a sense of shame, and when sent to any quarter will not disgrace his prince’s commission, deserves to be called an officer.

行己有耻,使于四方,不辱君命,可谓士矣。

Source: The Analects, Zi Lu XIII, Chapter 20

Author: Confucius

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