Lun Yu – Les Entretiens de Confucius

Tzeu tchang demanda à Confucius en quoi consiste la vertu d'humanité. Confucius répondit : « Celui-là est parfait qui est capable de pratiquer cinq choses partout et toujours. » Tzeu tchang dit : « Permettez-moi de vous demander quelles sont ces cinq choses ? – Ce sont, répondit Confucius, la déférence, la grandeur d'âme, la sincérité, la diligence et la générosité. La déférence inspire le respect ; la grandeur d'âme gagne les cœurs ; la sincérité obtient la confiance ; la diligence exécute des œuvres utiles ; la générosité rend facile la direction des hommes. »

Couvreur XVII.6.

Five things the practice of which constitutes perfect virtue.
Tsze-chang asked Confucius about perfect virtue. Confucius said, "To be able to practice five things everywhere under heaven constitutes perfect virtue." He begged to ask what they were, and was told, "Gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness. If you are grave, you will not be treated with disrespect. If you are generous, you will win all. If you are sincere, people will repose trust in you. If you are earnest, you will accomplish much. If you are kind, this will enable you to employ the services of others.

Legge XVII.6.

Tzu-~chang asked Confucius about benevolence. Confucius said, 'There are five things and whoever is capable of putting them into practice in the Empire is certainly "benevolent".' 'May I ask what they are?' 'They are respectfulness, -tolerance, trustworthiness in word, quickness and generosity. If a man is respectful he-will not be treated with insolence. If he is tolerant he will win the multitude. If he is trustworthy in word his fellow men will entrust him with responsi- bility. If he is quick he will achieve results. If he is generous he will be good enough to be put in -a position over his fellow men.'

Lau [17:6]