Abstract

This chapter interprets Confucius' life of moral action as an expression of a kind of deep courage. This is the courage that sustains a steadfast commitment to a way of life in a world hostile to its values and aspirations. Confucius evinces at least two related aspects of deep courage: (i) the courage to pursue an assailed way of life and (ii) the courage to promote that way of life to other people. This deep virtuous courage is related to Confucius's suffering due to his pursuit of an assailed way of life within a world increasingly hostile to his moral ideals.