Historical Confucian philosophers believed that recognizing true moral character required careful observation of a person's private behavior and actions. They suggested that the means a person employs, the basis of their actions, and their sense of ease reveal deeper truths about their virtue. The use of written examinations was viewed with skepticism, with an emphasis placed on the importance of genuine moral demonstration in everyday life, as seen in the example of Yan Hui, a student of Confucius known for embodying these virtues.
The Master said, "Look at the means that a person employs, observe the basis from which he acts, and discover where it is that he feels at ease. Where can he hide? Where can he hide?"
The Master said, "I can talk all day long with Yan Hui without him once disagreeing with me. In this way, he seems a bit stupid. And yet when we retire and I observe his private behavior, I see that it is in fact worthy to serve as an illustration of what I have taught. Hui is not stupid at all."
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