Han Wangxi

CREDIBILITY is a fundamental quality in a person. Mencius said: “Honesty is meant by the way of heaven, and trying to be honest is a basic principle for humans.” People need to follow their moral principles in their actions, and being honest can be the first step toward virtue. Morals are based on self discipline and honesty, and cannot be achieved by those who don’t mean or act upon their words.

According to “Da Xue” (“Great Learning,” text of Confucius’ teachings compiled by 12th-century philosopher Zhu Xi), a person needs to study to become knowledgeable, and then aspire to be a man of virtue; this wise and virtuous person can go on to run his family and country well, leading to the ideal of a peaceful world. The first step toward credibility is being honest with oneself. Only a person of great integrity can be honest all the time. “Only those who are truly honest can perfect their morality, influence other people and care for other species that live on Earth,” according to “Da Xue.” The importance of being honest is manifest.

Credibility is also a fundamental principle in governance. A quote from “Li Ji” (“Record of Rites,” one of Five Classics in Confucian literature) says: “Credibility is the cornerstone of a nation.” Confucius said: “All men are mortal; a nation will collapse if its government is not trusted by its people.”

An anecdote about the king of Chu is a case in point. The king had an agreement with his subjects: Once the country was in danger, he would strike drums in his palace as a call for help. However, the king became drunken one day after feasting at a banquet with the lords from all corners of his kingdom. One guest proposed: “I’ve heard that you have a superb drum from which the sound can spread far. Can you show us?” The king said “No problem” and ordered his men to strike the drum.

The sound was so loud that all residents in the neighboring areas heard it. They rushed with their hoes and hatchets to the palace to rescue the king, but were surprised to see him reveling with guests. The king came to his senses after the influence of alcohol waned. He apologized sincerely to his subjects and renewed his agreement with them: The next time they heard the drum, it would be definite that the country was in danger. This way, the king regained their trust. The anecdote serves as a good warning about the importance of credibility, not just for common folk, but for authorities as well.

Credibility is also a fundamental principle in the business world, particularly in modern times. The more developed an economy is, the more necessary the need for laws and morals as its guarantee. A fast-growing economy is inseparable from sound laws and regulations; as important is a complete set of business ethics that everyone abides by. It’s a big misunderstanding that the business world can do without morality. The supreme goal of a human society is that every member can realize their potentials and live in harmony with others. The improvement of moral standards can go side by side with economic growth. If someone makes a continuous effort enriching his inner world and being an honorable person, he will enjoy a cordial relationship with others, which will in turn help him realize his potentials. The ultimate goal of economic growth, on the other hand, is to improve the wellbeing of all citizens and enable them to live in harmony and become the best of themselves.

Talented and rule-abiding citizens are key to economic growth. In a successful market economy, the most important factor is the participants, who are not only reasonable and seeking profits, but also are moral, willing to cooperate and hold credibility and order in high value all the time. Therefore, the market economy doesn’t contradict credibility and high moral standards, but calls for such values.

(The author is a cultural scholar.)

(Translated by Debra Li)