Confucius on Righteousness (Yi)

Confucius placed great importance on yi (righteousness). He believed that a virtuous person should understand what is right and make righteousness the fundamental principle guiding both character and conduct. This requires continuous moral self-cultivation and the ability to distinguish right from wrong.

When discussing the relationship between righteousness (yi) and material benefit (li), Confucius valued righteousness above profit without rejecting material gain altogether. 

He taught that whenever righteousness and personal interests came into conflict, one should never abandon moral principles in pursuit of wealth, status, or power. At the same time, there is no need to reject material benefits, provided one's actions remain consistent with one's moral conscience. The key lies in maintaining the proper balance between the two. 

Regarding how to judge whether an action is righteous, Confucius argued that shrinking from doing what is humane and right shows a lack of courage. Yet courage without righteousness is equally dangerous, as it can bring disorder to society. Only courage guided by righteousness can truly be considered a virtue.

For Confucius, righteousness was not only a personal moral principle but also the foundation of social ethics. In the relationship between ruler and subject, a minister's loyalty to the state was regarded as an important expression of righteousness.