ce, we need to return to traditional values of virtue. These values are based entirely on one concept: Jen, which is best, translated as "humaneness." This humaneness is a relatively strange concept to Western people, because it is not primarily a practicable virtue.
             The rules of propriety offered a code of accepted behaviour that demonstrated to themselves and others that they were cultured and proper gentlemen. For Confucius, the gentleman knew and behaved according to the rules of propriety. In the first chapter of Analects, Yu-Tzu gives the value of the rules of propriety. "Among the functions of propriety the most valuable is that it establishes harmony. The Way of the ancient kings from this harmony got its beauty. It is the guiding principle of all things great and small. If things go amiss, and he who knows the harmony tries to achieve it without regulating it by the rules of propriety, they will still go amiss."6 Confucius explains what can happen if conduct is not guided by propriety. "Courtesy not bounded by the rules of propriety becomes tiresome. Caution not bounded by the rules of propriety becomes timidity, daring becomes insubordination, straightforwardness becomes rudeness."7 Nevertheless, Confucius did not belie!
             ve in over-wallowing in ceremonies, and the feelings should be proper to the situations. "In ceremonies it is better to be sparing than extravagant. Funeral ceremonies should be observed in deep sorrow rather than in fear."8 By the same mean, "When substance, one becomes pedantic. When substance and refinement are properly blended, then one is a gentleman."9 Confucius knew that the ancient routes had been reduced in his time, and that such reduction was politic. "Were anyone today to serve his prince according to the full rules of propriety he would be thought a sycophant."10
             Many Confucius' students were interest to become officials in government and so as Confucius himself, wanted t...