The concept of“self,”or“myself” is often contrasted with the concept of“the other,”or“others.”Referring to oneself, the concept sometimes suggests the will of the subject. Defining oneself based on this concept distinguishes one from others, and others from oneself. This distinction is an important aspect of the construction of order. However, too much emphasis on self and one’s own interests can easily lead to confrontation and conflict with others. Therefore, some people advocate that one should put oneself in another person’s position and care for others in a compassionate way; it has also been suggested that one should abandon oneself or completely break the boundary between oneself and others.

Zigong asked, “Is there any teaching that can serve as a lasting principle for conduct in one’s whole life?” Confucius replied, “Surely that is to be considerate! Do not do to others what you do not want others to do to you.” (The Analects)

Mencius said, “Yang Zhu believed in the principle of each man for himself. He would not pluck out a single hair to benefit the world.” (Mencius)