The man characterized by jên always is respectful toward his
fellows. There is a proper method in respecting one's fellows.
With a sage one respects him in loving and keeping near to him.
With an unworthy person one respects him while fearing and
keeping him at a distance. The being respectful is the same [in
both cases], but the circumstances are different. If he is loyal,
sincere, upright, and guileless, and does not work harm, then none
he deals with but are thus. Such is the substance of jén. Jén is the
substance and i is the principle. [Such a man] never opens his
mouth but that [what he says] may be taken as a model for others.
The Ode says,[2]
Committing no excess, doing nothing injurious—
There are few who will not in such a case take you for
their pattern.
