Pre-Qin thought revolves around concepts such as Heaven(天), Dao(道), Nature(性), and Fate(命), while Pre-Qin Confucianism emphasizes the cultivation of benevolence , virtue , and becoming a true gentleman. The cultivation efforts of Pre-Qin Confucianism are aimed at exploring the possibility of individuals becoming gentlemen and attaining virtue. It serves as a path to eliminate barriers between self and others, resolve differences in thinking, and offers a method to achieve psychological stability while confronting one's inner self. It is a philosophy that enables greater tolerance and harmony among people.
As Confucius said, "Without learning, there is no way to speak... Without learning ritual, there is no way to stand." This illustrates that without learning and understanding poetry and ritual, one cannot become a true gentleman. It shows that being a true gentleman is not just a set of values; it is an attitude towards life, a timeless and expanding perspective on life that conveys human care.
This article primarily focuses on Pre-Qin Confucianism and explains how the concepts of Heaven's Way and Human Way manifest in our lives, ultimately converging into the concept of "virtue" . It draws upon Xu Fuguan's research on the semantic elements of "ritual" , "goodness" , and "beauty" to illustrate how "ritual" gradually loses its religious and mystical significance, progressively emphasizing its humanistic value. Ultimately, "benevolence" is presented as the cornerstone of humanistic values and the core spirit of Confucian thought.