Confucius identifies integrity — the alignment of words and deeds — as essential to the superior person's character. To say one thing and do another is to undermine trust and social order.
This emphasis on consistency extends to all aspects of conduct. The superior person maintains orderly behavior in private as well as in public, when observed and when unobserved. Integrity is not situational.
This foundation of trustworthiness is what enables a person to influence others positively. People follow not because of coercion but because they trust in the leader's consistent virtue.
Commentary
Confucius identifies integrity — the alignment of words and deeds — as essential to the superior person's character. To say one thing and do another is to undermine trust and social order.
This emphasis on consistency extends to all aspects of conduct. The superior person maintains orderly behavior in private as well as in public, when observed and when unobserved. Integrity is not situational.
This foundation of trustworthiness is what enables a person to influence others positively. People follow not because of coercion but because they trust in the leader's consistent virtue.