TERMBASES
This term refers to
self-examination of one’s own words, deeds, and inner thoughts. Introspection
is a way of moral cultivation put forward by Mencius(372?—289 BC). Mencius inherited the
Confucian belief that one’s moral integrity and meritorious deeds are
determined by his own ethical cultivation. If his words or deeds fail to gain
endorsement or appreciation from others, one should not blame them. On the
contrary, one should examine himself to find out if his words and deeds as well
as inner thoughts conform to standards of ethics and propriety.
A kind of ethical self-cultivation advanced by the Confucian school of thought, the term has two different meanings: First, du (独) is understood as at leisure and alone. When people are alone, without…
Reflecting often on whatone does – thisis a way of self-cultivation of virtue advocated by Confucianism. This schoolof thought holds that as moral integrity is established with one’s efforts ofself-c…