Classic Chinese stories: Morality

What is morality? Mencius said that benevolence shows goodwill from the human heart and righteousness relates to the paths humans take. Morality refers to the right path that everyone should take. In Chinese culture, the quality of being moral and upright is particularly respected. If there is a conflict between one’s life and morality, an honorable person can only sacrifice his or her life to adhere to morality. The Chinese have always emphasized giving up one’s life for benevolence and righteousness, which is a characteristic of Chinese culture.

Let me tell you a story. When the Mongolian army of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) invaded the Central Plains of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), which was defeated, many scholars fled. A scholar named Xu Heng fled with fellows to a deserted village where there was a tree with a lot of fruit. Thirsty and hungry, all the fellows picked and ate the fruit except Xu who sat calmly alone by the roadside. They asked him why he didn’t join them since the fruit tree’s owner was not around. Xu replied, “The tree may not have an owner present, but I have a conscience.”

He meant that although no one was watching the tree, he had a clear conscience that prevented him from doing something unreasonable. Everyone was then impressed by Xu. You can see how the ancients had integrity, courage and conscience, upholding morality.

There are many stories on morality in ancient Chinese classics and we have such a story here in “Shi Shuo Xin Yu” (“A New Account of Tales of the World”). It is about Xun Jubo’s sacrificing himself for righteousness during the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.-A.D. 220).

Xun traveled from afar to visit his sick friend in a city. During his visit, the city was attacked by northern invaders, and everyone fled except Xun and his friend. The friend said, “I’m going to die and the barbarians are about to attack the city. You will be in danger, so please leave as soon as possible!” Xun replied, “I came to visit you from afar to take care of you; how can I leave you behind in danger? Would you have me sacrifice my principles for survival?”

While Xun was comforting his friend, the invaders broke into the courtyard and shouted: “Who are you? Our army has entered the city where there is no one left. How dare you still stay in the city? Aren’t you afraid of death?” Xun stood up and said fearlessly, “My friend is very sick and I can’t leave him alone. I would rather exchange my life for his. If you want to kill someone, kill me.” The invaders were impressed, and said among themselves, “We, who do not understand morality, have invaded such a country that has benevolence and righteousness!” So they withdrew the attack and the city was saved.

Confucius once said, “At the coldest time of the year, most plants wither while only the pine and cypress stand upright.” This story illustrates how a person’s true character is revealed in times of crisis and shows who will adhere to being virtuous in the face of danger.

(The author is a cultural scholar.)

(Translated by Cao Zhen)