Everything Everywhere Daily · Saturday, August 29, 2026
Confucian teaching emphasizes the virtues of Li (ritual propriety and respectful behavior) and Yi (moral righteousness) to maintain social order. Confucius argued that guiding people with virtue and Li leads to a sense of shame and fulfillment of roles, which is more effective than coercion or punishment.
“To put the values of Ren into practice, Confucius relied on two contemporary virtues: Li and Yi.”
“Li represents ritual propriety, the shared manners, customs, and respectful behaviors that maintain social order, while Yi is moral righteousness, the internal duty to do what is inherently right.”
“Guide them with virtue and align them with Li, and the people will have a sense of shame and fulfill their roles.”