Confucius' view on consumption
As we have said before, the Chinese are fond of moderation, which is reflected in many aspects, and of course, consumption is no exception, as can be seen from Confucius' assertion that personal consumption should be "neither extravagant nor miserly". How to master this subtle balance is an ongoing quest for every Chinese.
Confucius was in favor of thrift in state expenditure and private consumption, in accordance with rituals. Reductions in state expenditure would lessen exploitation of the people; and thrift was to be practiced in private consumption, which should be moderate. He said that extravagance conveys an air of haughtiness, while extra-thrift implied shabbiness; however, still, shabbiness would be better than haughtiness; thrift and plain living more desirable than extravagance and waste.
