华人社会中的自谦初探

A Research on Self-modesty in Chinese Society

通过对典籍的梳理初步探讨了华人社会中自谦的内涵、实质和运作模式。自谦可能包涵“守弱处柔”、“卑己尊人”、“恭允克让”和“恭敬有实”四个方面。自谦的实质涉及“和合”、“远耻”、“隐显”;自谦包括“功利性”和“真诚性”两个因素,体现在“淡泊超脱—刻意功利”与“直率真诚—婉转伪饰”两个维度上。以这两个维度为基础的“谦礼”、“谦敬”、“谦卑”和“谦忍”可能是华人社会自谦的主要运作模式。

This article prohed into the implication, essence and operating model of self-modesty in Chinese society. Self-modesty in such society may include the four aspects of ＂holding a weak and inferior position＂, ＂humbling oneself to show respect＂, ＂exercising restraint and forbearance to express modesty＂ and ＂behaving respectfully with sincerity＂. The cssence of self-modesty is concerned with ＂sticking to harmony＂, ＂eschewing shame＂ and ＂flaunting nothing＂. Self-modesty involves ＂utilitarianism＂ and ＂sincerity＂, which is embodied in two dimensions, i.e., ＂frank and faithful ＂ vs. ＂tactful and hypocritical＂, ＂indifferent and unconventional before fame and fortunes＂ vs. ＂painstaking and greedy for material gains＂. On the basis of such factors the model of Chinese self- modesty may be constructed by the four aspects： polite modesty, respectful modesty, humble modesty and forbearing modesty.