Stories from Ancient China: A Gentleman Should Be Amiable but Not Drift with the Current

ZiLu asked Kong Zi: "Teacher, could you please tell me what the word "strong" means?"

KongZi asked him: "Did you ask the meaning of word "strong" as used in Northern China or as used in Southern China or as used in your studies?"

ZiLu answered: "Are there any differences? "

KongZi replied: "Of course they are different. You are generous and gentle when teaching others and you don't take revenge when dealing with violent people. People from Southern China consider these people as strong. Gentlemen usually have these characteristics. A person who uses a knife and armour as a pillow, who always keeps his weapons with him, and one who is not afraid of death, is considered as strong by those from Northern China. People who are hardened belong to this group."

ZiLu asked again: "Teacher, which kind of strong is it that I should learn?"

KongZi said: "Gentlemen can be amiable, but can't drift with current. This is the real strength. In order to be like that, gentlemen should strictly follow the "doctrine of the mean." When the government is liberal, gentlemen should keep the same good character as when he was poor. When the government is tyrannical without virtue, gentlemen should not change their beliefs even facing death. This is true strength."

The traditional Chinese culture emphasises that a person should persist in his view and principles instead of following the trend. A person should have a firm faith in his valuable goal. Only then can he overcome all hardships, march forward courageously and fulfil his goal with confidence and dauntless courage.