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IL THE LIFE AND TIMESOF CONFUCIUS. 33
The highest point in his moral teaching was the golden
rule negatively stated : "What you do not want yourself
do not extend to others." Asked to sum up his code in
one word he chose the term ;_, shu, which Dr. Legge
translates Reciprocity, but which seems to mean more
than this, for reciprocity means, Do as you are done by,
whereas _g,, suggests the idea of following one's better
nature, that is, 13e generous, a nobler sentiment, though
lacking the life-blood of the crowning word of Christianity.
Mark XII. 3o, 3i.
Duty to parents, continued after death to a degree that
is an unjust tax on the life of the living, a tax impossible
of redemption save to the very few, takes the leading place
in the ethics of the Sage. Respect for elders follows in
its train. Adultery is described somewhere as the chief
of sins. Loyalty both to prince and fi-iend is inculcated,
as also conscientiousness in all one's doings. Respect and
reverence have already been Ieferred to. Rectitude and
selfcontrol, courtesy and moderation find also a notable
place. Neither riches nor culture compare with moral
character, which takes precedence in value of all mundarie
honours, and what constitutes the excellence of a neighbourhood
is not its wealtt, but its Virtue. Virtue arid
Religion j_:, are a greater renovating power than punishments.
Chmacter. will out; _t cannot be concealed.
Prejudice is to be avoided, and an unbiassed judgment to be
cultivated. Only the truly virtuous can be busted to love
and to hate. The ready of tongue are unreliable.
In conclusion neither pleasure, nor honours, nor wealth
are the sumnmm bonum, but Virtue, for it is the founda-