传统谦虚观的内涵、变迁及社会功能

The Connotation, Transition and Social Functions of the Traditional View of Modesty

谦虚是中华民族优秀的传统美德之一,也是中国人典型的人格特征。通过对"谦"、"虚"、"谦虚"的字源或词源分析得出传统谦虚观基本内涵:虚心,不自满;为人处世保持低调、不自大高傲;为了达到人际关系和谐而尽量对自己的能力或价值做出低于自己实际的评价。谦虚观的形成过程也是理性化的过程,即从对天的谦虚敬畏,到对人的谦虚尊敬,再发展为将谦虚作为一种普世美德。传统谦虚观历来受到中国人的重视,它具有一定的社会功能:谦虚符合道德的原则,使人保持进取心,促进社会和谐。

Modesty is one of the traditional virtues in China as well as Chinese Through the etymological analysis to the Chinese word ＂谦虚＂, the character ＂ people＇s typical personality feature. ＂ 谦＂and ＂虚＂, we can find that the basic connotation of the traditional view of modesty is to be humble, not complacent, to keep a low profile when get along with people, not to be arrogant or prideful, and to evaluate one＇s ability and value humbly so that interpersonal harmony can be achieved. The formation of the view of modesty is rational. Firstly, people are modest to heaven and god, then to other people and finally it has become a universal virtue. Chinese people always cherish the traditional view of modesty, which has certain social functions： modesty is in accordance with the principle of morality, which can help people gain enterprise and promote social harmony.