Ren (philosophy)

Ren
Chinese name
Chinese
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyinrén
Bopomofoㄖㄣˊ
Wade–Gilesjen2
Tongyong Pinyinrén
IPA[ɻə̌n]
Yue: Cantonese
Yale Romanizationyàhn
Jyutpingjan4
IPA[jɐn˩]
Southern Min
Tâi-lôjîn
Old Chinese
Baxter–Sagart (2014)*niŋ
Vietnamese name
Vietnamesenhân
Chữ Hán
Korean name
Hangul
Hanja
Transcriptions
Revised Romanizationin
Japanese name
Kanji
Transcriptions
Revised Hepburnjin
Kunrei-shikizin

Ren (Chinese: , meaning "co-humanity" or "humaneness") is the highest Confucian virtue meaning the good quality of a virtuous human when reaching for higher ideals or when being altruistic. According to Confucius, Ren does not have a singular definition; it encompasses benevolence, trustworthiness, courage, compassion, empathy, and reciprocity. It is expressed through interpersonal relationships and can be cultivated through the observance of proper ritual (li). Ren is also a central principle in Confucian political theory: a ruler with the Mandate of Heaven is one of great virtue, who leads by moral example and prioritizes the well-being of the people.


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