儒家核心价值体系——“仁”的构建

The Core Value of Confucianism——The Establishment of Ren 仁

本文认为"仁"是孔子思想体系的核心,是人之为人的本质,是儒家以人为本的集中体现。自爱是仁爱展开的基本环节,仁者自爱,中和长寿。仁始于爱亲人,亲情之爱体现为孝悌之道,是为仁之本。忠恕之道,推己及人,是践行"仁"的基本途径。泛爱众人,亲近仁德的人,博爱无私。行仁政,爱民力,是王道政治的基本理念。爱物惜命,仁者与天地万物一体,民胞物与。敬事鬼神,使民德归厚,体现人道精神。当今社会核心价值体系的构建也应该把"仁"放在其核心地位,立仁之大本,实现天下归仁的大同理想。

This article argues that ren 仁 or benevolence is the core of Confucius' thought system and the foundation that makes a human being human,and that it embodies Confucianism's humanistic orientation.Self-love is the basic link in the logic of the development of ren,insofar as a man with self-love lives a long life of equilibrium(zhong 中) and harmony(he 和).Ren begins with love for one's family members,which-embodied as filial piety and fraternal duty-is the essence of ren.The basic way to practice ren is to apply the principles of loyalty(zhong 忠) and consideration(shu 恕) and to treat others as one would wish to be treated.The basic principles of the kingly way in politics could be described as universal love for the populace,keeping close to the benevolent,practicing benevolent policy,and cherishing people's labor.The benevolent cherish objects and value human life,and can coexist with and be united with Heaven,Earth,and the myriad things,treating other people as their brothers and other living beings as their fellows.The benevolent respect and serve the spirits and make people incline towards honesty and kindness,manifesting the essence of humanity.In establishing the system of core social values,one should treat ren as the most important core value,thereby building a foundation of ren and achieving the ideal of great harmony.