试析我国古代“诚”与“信”思想及语词的发端

On the Thought of"Honesty"and"Faith"in the Ancient China and the Origin of the Words

诚信是我国传统道德重要的规范之一。对传统中国社会生活的方方面面,诸如经济上的经营之道,政治上的为政之道及伦理道德的养成之道都产生了深远影响。是中国古代经济伦理思想的重要组成部分。"诚信"作为一种道德范畴,在人类进入阶级社会以前的上古时代就开始萌芽了。它起源于人们日常活动及人对自己行为的自党自律。而"诚"与"信"又是两个有着不同含义、相对独立又可互训相通的字。"诚"与"信"最初是单独使用的。从先秦开始,"诚"与"信"即开始连用,意义没太大变化。

Honesty and faith is one of the important Chinese traditional moralities, influencing every aspect of traditional China. It is also an important component of Chinese ancient economic and ethical thoughts. As a morality scope, ＂honesty and faith＂ sprouted in the ancient China far before the human beings entering class society. It originated from the daily activities of human being. Honesty and faith, with different connotation, are relatively independent but also interrelated. Initially, the words ＂honesty＂ and ＂faith＂ were used separately. The two words have been combined to use, with little change of the meaning, since the early Qin dynasty.